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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, 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 organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others