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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

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

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many