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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many