🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship Ipswich fighter the rising star only began boxing at the relatively late age The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent Boxing Organization's Position The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought" The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent "WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release" "The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Belt Timeline The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout New Champion's Path But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently 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 "The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent" "A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community" The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention