🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title Ipswich fighter the rising star only began boxing at the age of 20 The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley Official Announcement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger "WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release" "Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history" The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and perfect in his pro career Title Reign Usyk won the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight Wardley's Rise But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent" "A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world" Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts What's Next The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others