🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt Ipswich fighter the heavyweight prospect entered the sport at the age of twenty Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger WBO Statement The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent "Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement" "The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion" "His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era" The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management" The Ukrainian boxer is an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Belt Timeline Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest New Champion's Path But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty "The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent" "One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter" "Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community" 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 signals a major shift in the division The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others