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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many