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England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four 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 require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit 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 give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others