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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

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

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many