🔗 Share this article

England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

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

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many