🔗 Share this article

Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others