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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others