🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title British boxer the heavyweight prospect started his boxing career at the age of 20 England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley Official Announcement The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement" "Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era" The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and undefeated through 24 bouts Title Reign Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight New Champion's Path But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality" "One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport" Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record What's Next The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many