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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades 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 establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others