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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"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"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention