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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

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 defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph 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 the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many