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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many