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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others