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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains 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 initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

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

Title Reign

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

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention