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England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

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

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many