Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention