🔗 Share this article Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt English contender Fabio Wardley only began boxing at the age of 20 The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent WBO Statement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought" Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender "Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement" "The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period" The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team" Usyk is an Olympic champion and unbeaten in 24 professional fights Championship History The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight New Champion's Path But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal "England 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 boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport" Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights Coming Challenges The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention