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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others