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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many