🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title British boxer the rising star entered the sport at the age of twenty The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger Boxing Organization's Position The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent "Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era" The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Championship History Usyk won the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality "England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport" "One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt 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 a limited professional record What's Next The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others