Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title
Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title
This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent
Boxing Organization's Position
The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"
Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion
He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger
"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"
"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"
"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"
The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"
Belt Timeline
Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times
In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest
Wardley's Rise
But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion
The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty
"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"
"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"
"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"
Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts
Coming Challenges
- The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
- Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
- The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
- The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many