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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention