Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title
The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title
This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger
Boxing Organization's Position
The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"
Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion
He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger
"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"
"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"
"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"
The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"
Belt Timeline
Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times
In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight
Wardley's Rise
But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face 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 done deal
"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"
"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"
"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"
The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights
What's Next
- Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
- The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
- The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
- The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention