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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards 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 the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many