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England's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

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

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many