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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated 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 May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

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

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention