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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others