🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt English contender Fabio Wardley started his boxing career at the age of twenty The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent WBO Statement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger "WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era" The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Belt Timeline Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty "England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent" "Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport" Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many