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The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander 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 WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

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

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention