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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention