🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt Ipswich fighter the rising star only began boxing at the relatively late age England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent WBO Statement 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 defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger "WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" Usyk is an gold medal winner and undefeated through 24 bouts Championship History The champion captured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight British Fighter's Journey But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport" "Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world" Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts What's Next Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many