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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention