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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many