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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

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

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many