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Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

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 the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

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

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others