🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt British boxer the rising star 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 chose to vacate his title This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent Official Announcement The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought" The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent "Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement" "Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era" The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team" The Ukrainian boxer is an gold medal winner and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Championship History The champion captured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations 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, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent" "One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter" "Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community" Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record Coming Challenges Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention