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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena 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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

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

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many