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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

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

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last 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 manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention