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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many