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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention