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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention