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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 follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

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

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many