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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

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

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention