FABIO WARDLEY has explained his decision to vacate the British heavyweight title amid rumours of a clash with WBA regular champion Kubrat Pulev.

The 30-year-old (18-0-1, 17 KOs) has held the Lonsdale belt since he dismantled Nathan Gorman inside three rounds at Wembley Arena back in November 2022.

Since then he has stopped David Adeleye in the seventh round of their Riyadh clash in 2023 before an all-time British heavyweight classic against Frazer Clarke, which ended in a draw, on March 31st last year.

But, seven months on from that incredible fight at the o2 Arena, London, Wardley emphatically drew a line under his rivalry with Clarke when he produced one of the most chilling knockouts of the year after just 2:28 of the first round of their rematch at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh.

He needs one more winning defence of the title in order to keep the belt outright however has decided to relinquish the title instead.

And, as reported by The Ring, the British Boxing Board of Control have now approved a request from Frank Warren for the April 5 clash between Adeleye and Jeamie TKV to be for the vacant belt.

Meanwhile, it is understood that negotiations regarding a summer showdown between Wardley and Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) are ongoing.

From his holiday in Dubai, Wardley told The Ring: “It has been a privilege to hold onto the belts for as long as I have. I’ve had some fantastic fights contending for the title, some fights that have really done that prestigious belt justice and honour.

“I just feel like at this point in my career it’s time for me to let it go because I have other opportunities awaiting me, bigger opportunities, on the world stage. And also it’s time for me to move on because it’s time for the next crop of heavyweights to get their chance and have their go and create their own legacy.

“Also, I feel like I’ve done what I needed to do at British level so why hang around? I’m ready for the world scene now.”