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England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 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 manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years 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 builds his reputation in the sport"

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

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others