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England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others