🔗 Share this article

Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder 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, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship 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

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many