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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many