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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

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

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many