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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

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

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round 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 Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others