🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter Fabio Wardley started his boxing career at the age of 20 England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender "Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period" The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp" Usyk is an gold medal winner and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Title Reign Usyk won the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight British Fighter's Journey But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal "Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport" "Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades 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 creates a true legacy in the boxing world" The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record Future Prospects The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many