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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

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 boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced 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"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many