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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr 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 boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

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

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others