🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship British boxer the rising star only began boxing at the age of twenty England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger WBO Statement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger "Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement" "The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era" The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management" Usyk is an gold medal winner and undefeated through 24 bouts Championship History Usyk won the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest New Champion's Path But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty "The UK has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport" "One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter" "Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention