🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship British boxer the rising star entered the sport at the age of twenty England's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his title This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger "Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release" "Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to 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 organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic gold medallist and undefeated through 24 bouts Championship History Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight New Champion's Path But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport" "One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world" The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record Future Prospects The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many