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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after 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 Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many