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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion 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 next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others