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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

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

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world 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 protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention