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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting 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 weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others