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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader 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 career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention