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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

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

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention