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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager 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 only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others