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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many