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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

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

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many