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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

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

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many