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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

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

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander 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 boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention