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England's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion 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

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention