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The UK's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved 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 the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

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

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

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

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others