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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention