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The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up 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 double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others