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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

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

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention