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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention