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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention