🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship Ipswich fighter Fabio Wardley started his boxing career at the relatively late age The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period" The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management" Oleksandr Usyk is an gold medal winner and perfect in his pro career Belt Timeline Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly In July, 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 contest Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal "Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport" "One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport" Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts What's Next The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention