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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others