🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the heavyweight prospect entered the sport at the age of twenty The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger WBO Statement The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection" Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender "Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history" The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Championship History The champion captured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal "Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent" "Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record What's Next The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others