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

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others