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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention