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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect 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 organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"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 maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention