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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony 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 cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds 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 manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention