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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention