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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 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 ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many