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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world 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 defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

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

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many