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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

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

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

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

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many