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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month 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 formality

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many