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Britain's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

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

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others