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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship 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

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt 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 September deadline

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others