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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome 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 May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention