🔗 Share this article

England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"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"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others