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England's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention