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The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in 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"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, 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 contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others