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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years 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 builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many