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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others