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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

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

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others