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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many