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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

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

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others