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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr 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 organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention