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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid 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 WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

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

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others