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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many