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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention