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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many