Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, 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, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many