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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

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

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others