🔗 Share this article

England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others