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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

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

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks 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 institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others