Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured 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 New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many