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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others