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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many