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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention