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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many