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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, 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 contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention