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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker 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 end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others