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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate 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 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 overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention