🔗 Share this article Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title British boxer Fabio Wardley only began boxing at the relatively late age The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley Official Announcement The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection" The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent "Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release" "The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes" "His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period" The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team" The Ukrainian boxer is an gold medal winner and undefeated through 24 bouts Belt Timeline Usyk won the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout British Fighter's Journey But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal "The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent" "One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley" "Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport" Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record Future Prospects Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention