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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many