🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title British boxer Fabio Wardley entered the sport at the relatively late age Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger Official Announcement The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection" Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent "Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release" "The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic champion and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Belt Timeline Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight British Fighter's Journey But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty "Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent" "Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport" Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record Coming Challenges Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others