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Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages 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 promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many