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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter 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 record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages 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 promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

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

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others