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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced 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"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others