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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others