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

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"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 extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others