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The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path 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 defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention