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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

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

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many