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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO 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 Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit 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 vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention