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The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development 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 championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others