🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the heavyweight prospect entered the sport at the age of 20 The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent WBO Statement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought" The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender "Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement" "The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history" The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and undefeated through 24 bouts Championship History Usyk secured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty "The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent" "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 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community" The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts Future Prospects The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others