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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

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

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

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

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many