🔗 Share this article

England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

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

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

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many