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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

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

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many