🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship English contender the rising star entered the sport at the age of twenty The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley Official Announcement The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration" Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent "Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement" "The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period" The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic champion and perfect in his pro career Championship History Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight British Fighter's Journey But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent" "Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community" The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record What's Next The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others