🔗 Share this article

Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention