🔗 Share this article

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

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention