British boxer Fabio Wardley has been crowned the heavyweight world champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title.
The WBO confirmed they had received confirmation from Usyk that he wished to relinquish his title.
They said they are honouring the Ukrainian’s career and calling this step a respectful pause, not a farewell.
Wardley's interim title was achieved thanks to a dramatic 11th-round stoppage against Joseph Parker last month which meant he was mandated to face the Ukrainian before the end of September.
However, the WBO announced that Usyk, who unified the world titles by defeating another Briton, IBF champion Daniel Dubois in July, has formally announced his decision to vacate the belt.
Wardley reacted to the decision, tweeting: "#AndTheNew [trophy emoji]," before sharing posts from across the boxing world congratulating him on the achievement.
Speaking after the fight, the British boxer, known for his explosive knockout power and late-fight resilience, called for a fight with the champ.
He said: "That has been the goal for a number of years now."
The WBO confirmed they had received confirmation from Usyk that he wished to relinquish his title
|GETTY
He added: "That’s been the objective. That’s been everything I’ve wanted."
Wardley, who fights in an orthodox stance, has compiled an unbeaten professional record of 20 wins, no losses, and one draw, with 19 victories coming by knockout.
He holds British, Commonwealth, WBA Continental, and WBO European heavyweight titles.
The Briton made his professional debut on 8 April 2017, winning a four-round points decision.
Fabio Wardley holds British, Commonwealth, WBA Continental, and WBO European heavyweight titles
|PA
Wardley’s title achievements include securing the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title with a 10th-round knockout of Justis Huni on June 7 in Ipswich.
He also captured the WBO Interim Heavyweight Title after an 11th-round TKO victory over former world champion Joseph Parker just weeks ago on October 25 in London.
Usyk originally won the WBO heavyweight title by defeating Anthony Joshua, taking it from him in their fight in 2021.
He then regained the IBF heavyweight title in July this year when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium.
Fabio Wardley captured the WBO Interim Heavyweight Title after an 11th-round TKO victory over former world champion Joseph Parker just weeks ago
|PA
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) said in a statement: "After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the title."
"We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO Heavyweight Super Championship.
"This is not a farewell, but - as expressed by his team - a respectful pause.
"The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team."
Oleksandr Usyk has stepped back
| ReutersWBO President Gustavo Olivieri added: "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration, and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk.
"An undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion, and a fighter who has earned and exemplified every right, privilege, and honour associated with the WBO super champion distinction.
"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era."
Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have all held the title.