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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren 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 during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention