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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

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

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

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

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

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention