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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others