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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently 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 done deal

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

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

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

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others