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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many