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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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 cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many