🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title English contender the heavyweight prospect entered the sport at the age of twenty England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent Boxing Organization's Position The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent "WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement" "The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history" The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management" Usyk is an gold medal winner and perfect in his pro career Belt Timeline Usyk won the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout New Champion's Path But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality "Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport" "Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter" "Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts Future Prospects Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention