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

Boxing Scene
Ipswich fighter the rising star started his boxing career at the relatively late age

England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Champion
Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and perfect in his pro career

Championship History

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

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

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

  • The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
  • The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
  • The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
  • The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others
Timothy Howard
Timothy Howard

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering consumer electronics and digital innovation, passionate about making tech accessible.