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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship 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 championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many