🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt Ipswich fighter the heavyweight prospect only began boxing at the relatively late age England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent Official Announcement The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection" Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger "Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic gold medallist and perfect in his pro career Championship History The champion captured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest British Fighter's Journey But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages 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 representative believes it is a certainty "The UK has a new heavyweight world champion 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 protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport" Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many