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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many