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

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention