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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

"England has a fresh boxing 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 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention