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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many