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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

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

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"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 promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention