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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation 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"

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

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations 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, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others