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England's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

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

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

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

In July, 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 bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change 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 during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention