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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

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

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention