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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently 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 interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention