🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt British boxer the heavyweight prospect only began boxing at the relatively late age England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent "WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement" "The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era" The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Belt Timeline The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout New Champion's Path But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty "Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport" "One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the sport" The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights Future Prospects Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention