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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many