🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt English contender the heavyweight prospect started his boxing career at the age of twenty Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought" Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent "Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release" "Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His record represents 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 Olympic champion and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Belt Timeline Usyk won the world title in 2021 by beating the British star 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 Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout New Champion's Path But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent" "Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community" The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights Future Prospects Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention