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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others