🔗 Share this article

Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many