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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in recently 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 require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"Britain has a fresh boxing 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"

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

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention