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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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 cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change 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 throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention