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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention