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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others