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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others