🔗 Share this article Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt Ipswich fighter Fabio Wardley started his boxing career at the age of 20 The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in 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 continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger "WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release" "The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history" The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp" Oleksandr Usyk is an Olympic champion and perfect in his pro career Title Reign Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest British Fighter's Journey But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal "Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent" "Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world" Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights Future Prospects Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others