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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many