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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight 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 London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit 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 vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention