🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship Ipswich fighter the heavyweight prospect only began boxing at the age of 20 Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley Official Announcement The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an gold medal winner and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Title Reign The champion captured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "England has a new heavyweight world 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" "Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world" The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts What's Next The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others