Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt

The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

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

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention