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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many