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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president 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 career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

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

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention