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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention