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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many