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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the championship 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 obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others