🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt British boxer the rising star started his boxing career at the age of 20 Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent Boxing Organization's Position The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger "Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement" "The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period" The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Title Reign Usyk won the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight Wardley's Rise But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty "The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent" "One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world" The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others