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England's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago 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 temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others