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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many