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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others