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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents 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"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"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 boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many