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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

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 choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others