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

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

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

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages 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 manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path 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 defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many