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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

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

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic 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 recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others