🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the heavyweight prospect entered the sport at the relatively late age The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley Official Announcement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger "Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement" "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era" The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" Oleksandr Usyk is an gold medal winner and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Title Reign Usyk secured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest Wardley's Rise But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty "Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality" "One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts What's Next The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many