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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path 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 creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention