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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others