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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

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

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

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

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others