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The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

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

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers 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 remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

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

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder 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"

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

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention