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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

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

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many