Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title
This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent
WBO Statement
The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"
Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder
He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent
"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"
"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"
"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"
The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"
Belt Timeline
The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly
In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest
British Fighter's Journey
But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September
The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal
"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"
"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"
"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"
Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights
Future Prospects
- Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
- The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
- The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
- The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others
