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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as 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"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others