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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt 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 Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative 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 at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others