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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

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

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many