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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander 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 British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention