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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president 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 achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

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

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others