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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention