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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

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

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention