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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks 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 boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

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

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify 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 promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention