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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

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

"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 fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys 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 maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others