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England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year 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 vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

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

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others