Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title

Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others