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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many