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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

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

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many