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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention