🔗 Share this article

Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title 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 interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

"The UK 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"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to capture attention