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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world 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 the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many