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

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

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

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

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy 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

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention