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The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

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

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career 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 establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention