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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

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

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many