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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

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

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

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention