🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the heavyweight prospect started his boxing career at the relatively late age The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger WBO Statement The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought" Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent "Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement" "The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and undefeated through 24 bouts Belt Timeline Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight British Fighter's Journey But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal "The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport" "A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport" The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record Future Prospects Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention