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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention