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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

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

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others