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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark 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"

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others