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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention