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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk 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

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title 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

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others