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The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

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

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to capture attention