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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

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

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others