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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in two years ago 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 temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention