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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

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

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others