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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention