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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation 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 multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others