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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

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

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager 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 fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention