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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight 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 Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, 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
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others