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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, 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

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager 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 sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many