🔗 Share this article

England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

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

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

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

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others