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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua 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 fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many