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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention