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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention