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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

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

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

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

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention