🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship British boxer the heavyweight prospect started his boxing career at the age of twenty Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent Official Announcement The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent "Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement" "The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period" The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an gold medal winner and undefeated through 24 bouts Championship History The champion captured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout British Fighter's Journey But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality" "Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts What's Next The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many