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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved 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 mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, 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 fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development 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 championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many