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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, 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 world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation 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

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many