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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

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

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many