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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others