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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in two years ago 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 temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many