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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star 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 champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention