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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

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

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others