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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many