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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many