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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention