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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others