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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

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

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others