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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention