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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many