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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many