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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude 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 organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming 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 back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention