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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories 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 establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention