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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention