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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship 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"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager 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 builds his reputation in the sport"

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

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many