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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention