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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, 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

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, 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 Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others