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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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 recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others