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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue recently 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 representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

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

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention