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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent 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 boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many