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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming 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 cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention