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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others