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England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as 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 won the WBO belt in 2021 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

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many