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Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

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

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

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

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

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention