🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt English contender Fabio Wardley entered the sport at the relatively late age The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent WBO Statement The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought" Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement" "The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period" The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Championship History The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest Wardley's Rise But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty "Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality" "A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights Future Prospects The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention