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England's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

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

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, 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 heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others