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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

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

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

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

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• 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 boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others