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Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

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

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the sport"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others