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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as 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"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention