🔗 Share this article

Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

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

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path 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 next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention