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The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation 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 likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others