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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

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

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

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

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others