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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"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 defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many