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England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others