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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month 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 formality

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many