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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, 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 relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• 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