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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

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

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many