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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

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

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many