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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"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 recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention