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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many