🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship English contender the heavyweight prospect started his boxing career at the age of 20 The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley WBO Statement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender "Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement" "The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history" The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and perfect in his pro career Title Reign The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout New Champion's Path But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty "The UK has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport" "A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record What's Next The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others