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Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention