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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous 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 representative believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many