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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 follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

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

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others