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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" 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 extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

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

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

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many