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England's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month 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 manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention