🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt English contender Fabio Wardley entered the sport at the relatively late age Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger Official Announcement The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger "Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era" The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Title Reign Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight Wardley's Rise But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal "Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent" "One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community" Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights Future Prospects The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others