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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

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

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many