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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention