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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many