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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

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

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others