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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others