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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

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

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

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

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

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

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many