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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion 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 I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

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

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many