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

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

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 the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous 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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others