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

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish 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 mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy 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

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many