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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention