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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

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

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention