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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

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

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention