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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many