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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many