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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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 require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others