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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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 famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The WBO extends 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 extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 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 representative believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others