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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention