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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many