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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

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

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

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others