đź”— Share this article Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship Ipswich fighter the rising star started his boxing career at the relatively late age The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger Boxing Organization's Position The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender "WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement" "The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history" The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management" Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Belt Timeline The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In mid-year, 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 fight Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank 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 more pleased for Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights Coming Challenges The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention