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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager 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 sport"

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

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others