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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention