🔗 Share this article

England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured 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 obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention