🔗 Share this article

Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

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

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round 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 Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

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

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many