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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages 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 title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

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

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others