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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, 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 fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous 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 done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention