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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a new heavyweight world 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 more pleased for Wardley"

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

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many