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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention