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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world 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 overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed 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 impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

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

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention