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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

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

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention