Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many