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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Championship History

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

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others