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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many