🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the rising star only began boxing at the age of 20 The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley WBO Statement The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release" "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history" The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and undefeated through 24 bouts Championship History Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight British Fighter's Journey But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent" "A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts Future Prospects The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others