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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention