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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

"The UK 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 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 builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention