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England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others