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

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents 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"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title 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 force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK 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 more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many