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England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

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

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many