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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention