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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month 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 Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue 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 significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently 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 done deal

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many