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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation 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 title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention