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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"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 contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention