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The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many