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The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

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

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

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

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others