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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently 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 interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others