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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"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 protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention