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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many