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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

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

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention