🔗 Share this article

Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention