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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

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

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others