🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt English contender the heavyweight prospect entered the sport at the relatively late age Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his title This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger Boxing Organization's Position The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration" The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender "Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement" "The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion" "His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp" The Ukrainian boxer is an gold medal winner and undefeated through 24 bouts Title Reign Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest New Champion's Path But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality "The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality" "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" "Some huge fights ahead for 2026 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 only 21 pro bouts Coming Challenges The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others