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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention