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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, 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

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many