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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, 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 doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many