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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's 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 huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

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

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many