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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

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

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many