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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

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

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many