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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others