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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

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

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

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

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others