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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative 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 sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention