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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced 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 two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

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

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention