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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many