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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

"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 impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others