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England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

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 championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"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 defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others