Although Oleksandr Usyk remains the lineal and consensus world heavyweight ruler, Fabio Wardley is on the brink of inheriting the WBO version of the championship after Usyk vacated the title today. The WBO wrote: "Consistent with established procedure, the [WBO Championship] Committee will evaluate and act upon the status of the current WBO interim heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley. As such, the committee will proceed without delay to elevate him to full champion status, subject to ratification and issuance of the corresponding championship resolution. The committee will also deliberate on the next relevant step regarding Wardley's first mandatory defense, including timelines, challenger designation and any additional measures required pursuant to the WBO regulations." In light of the WBO's statement, it is considered a formality that Wardley will be named the new WBO heavyweight champion. His promoter, Queensberry Promotions has already started to celebrate, tweeting: "Fabio Wardley is the new WBO heavyweight champion of the world! Massive congratulations Fabio and team."

Earlier in the day, the WBO announced it had received a formal communication Usyk's team stating that after thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the WBO title. [He also holds the three other major titles and there is no indication he relinquished any of those]. The WBO said that it honors Usyk's historic career and calls this a respectful pause, not a farewell to the great Ukrainian champion.