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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

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

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others