🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title British boxer the heavyweight prospect started his boxing career at the age of 20 The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley WBO Statement The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement" "The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "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 Usyk and his team" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic gold medallist and undefeated through 24 bouts Belt Timeline Usyk secured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In July, 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 Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a formality "England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality" "A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport" The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights What's Next The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others