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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others