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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"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 represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many