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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant 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 overcoming 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 champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

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

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many