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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

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

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July 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 choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

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

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention