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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

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

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

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many