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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many