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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

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

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain 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 promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others