🔗 Share this article

England's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

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

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many