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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world 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 fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

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

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention