🔗 Share this article

The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention