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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Championship History

Usyk secured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many