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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

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

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others