Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many