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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention