🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship British boxer the rising star entered the sport at the relatively late age Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger Official Announcement The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection" Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release" "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period" The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and undefeated through 24 bouts Belt Timeline The champion captured the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest British Fighter's Journey But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality "England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality" "One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights Coming Challenges The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many