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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion 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 rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention