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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a recent title holder 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 more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting 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 the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many