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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua 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 Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention