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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Championship History

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

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention