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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many