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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many