The Ukrainian fighter has told the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) that he wouldn't be facing the Brit in a mandatory title defence, and has instead "elected to relinquish his title".

In a statement, the WBO said: "The World Boxing Organisation announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish his title.

"We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO Heavyweight Super Championship.

"This is not a farewell, but - as expressed by his team - a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team."

The 38-year-old boxer previously insisted an injury was the reason he wouldn't agree to a previous mandatory WBO title defence against Joseph Parker.

He was then told in September that he must be face the winner of last month's bout between Parker and Wardley.

The 30-year-old boxer became interim champion by scoring a huge upset at London's O2 Arena.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has hailed Uysk as "a champion of champions".

he added in a statement: "The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion.

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era."

Usyk still holds the WBC, WBA and UBF heavyweight titles, after defeating Daniel Dubois over the summer at Wembley Stadium to become undisputed heavyweight champion.

It was the second time he earned the honour, having beaten Tyson Fury to become the first four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024.

Just weeks later, he relinquished the IBF title as he decided against a mandatory fight.