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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many