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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

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

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

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others