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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

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

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many