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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others