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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

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

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others