🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt English contender Fabio Wardley only began boxing at the age of 20 England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought" Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent "Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release" "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history" The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team" Usyk is an Olympic champion and perfect in his pro career Belt Timeline Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout Wardley's Rise But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty "Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport" "A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community" The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts Future Prospects The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others