🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter Fabio Wardley only began boxing at the relatively late age The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought" Usyk continues to possess 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 first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger "WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period" The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Championship History Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight New Champion's Path But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal "The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent" "A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world" The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record Coming Challenges The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention