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

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"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 Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion 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 certainty

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

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

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 weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others