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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents 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"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention