🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter Fabio Wardley started his boxing career at the relatively late age Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent WBO Statement The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought" Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent "WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release" "The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period" The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp" The Ukrainian boxer is an gold medal winner and perfect in his pro career Belt Timeline Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight British Fighter's Journey But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport" "One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community" The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts What's Next Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many