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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

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

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

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

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others