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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others