đź”— Share this article Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the rising star only began boxing at the relatively late age The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley WBO Statement The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger "WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era" The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management" Usyk is an gold medal winner and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Title Reign The champion captured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four 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 cause the delay of the fight New Champion's Path But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality" "A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter" "Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community" The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others