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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder 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 the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others