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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention