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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue 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 relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

"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"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others