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Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

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

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many