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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many