🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship British boxer the heavyweight prospect started his boxing career at the age of twenty The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley WBO Statement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" Oleksandr Usyk is an gold medal winner and undefeated through 24 bouts Title Reign Usyk won the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight Wardley's Rise But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal "Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent" "One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter" "Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world" Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record What's Next Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many