🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the rising star started his boxing career at the age of 20 The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent Boxing Organization's Position The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent "WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement" "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era" The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" Usyk is an Olympic champion and undefeated through 24 bouts Title Reign Usyk won the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight Wardley's Rise But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal "England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality" "Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world" The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many