🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt Ipswich fighter the rising star entered the sport at the relatively late age The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent Official Announcement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent "WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement" "The organization offers 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 impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period" The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Championship History The champion captured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In summer, 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 New Champion's Path But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal "The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent" "A truly extraordinary path 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 protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention