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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention