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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers 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 recent fighting history"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round 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 formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many