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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories 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 next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many