🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title British boxer the heavyweight prospect entered the sport at the age of 20 England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent WBO Statement The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought" The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent "WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era" The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and perfect in his pro career Championship History Usyk won the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout Wardley's Rise But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal "Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent" "Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community" Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record What's Next Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention