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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention