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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

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

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

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

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many