🔗 Share this article

The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention