🔗 Share this article

The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains 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 overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others