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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

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

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention