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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt 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

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many