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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

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

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others