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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many