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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many