🔗 Share this article

The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a fresh boxing champion 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"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others