🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title English contender the rising star started his boxing career at the age of 20 Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley Official Announcement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender "WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release" "The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era" The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic gold medallist and perfect in his pro career Title Reign Usyk won the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony 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 force the postponement of the contest Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty "The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality" "One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place 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 Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention