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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess 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 originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many