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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many