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Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader 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 impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many