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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

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

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many