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

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains 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 all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous 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

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the sport"

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

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others