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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

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 require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many