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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

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

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many