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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

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

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

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

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention