London‑born middleweight Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization, urging the governing body to elevate his current interim title to full world champion status. Bentley secured the WBO interim middleweight belt earlier this month with a decisive stoppage of Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena, a victory that has reignited the debate surrounding the division’s championship hierarchy.
The interim designation stems from the fact that the recognized WBO middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, is currently serving a one‑year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Bentley and his camp argue that Alimkhanuly’s title should be stripped as part of his disciplinary sanction, thereby leaving the belt vacant and positioning Bentley as the rightful champion. Bentley’s frustration is amplified by his own history with Alimkhanuly. In 2022 the Briton travelled to the Kazakh fighter’s corner for a full‑title bout that went the distance, ultimately falling short on the judges’ scorecards.
"I don’t think Janibek has any credibility or any sort of leg to stand on to hold that title," Bentley told Sky Sports, emphasizing that Alimkhanuly has not defended the WBO belt against a mandatory challenger since winning it, a period Bentley estimates at three to four years. "Now he’s failed a PED test, which only adds to the argument that the title should be vacated." Having claimed the interim crown, Bentley believes the WBO’s decision will have far‑reaching consequences for the entire division. "If the organization upgrades my belt, it restores legitimacy for everyone involved," he explained.
"My opponent, the other contenders, and the fans all deserve a clear champion. Right now we’re being punished for someone else’s mistake." His team is actively lobbying the WBO for an official upgrade, though they acknowledge that the final verdict remains uncertain. Bentley added, "I hope the WBO sees the bigger picture and recognizes the outcry from the media, the fans, and the fighters themselves.
We’re not just a footnote; we’re the lifeblood of this sport." Bentley’s criticism extends beyond the administrative realm to the ethical image of boxing. "It’s unacceptable for a boxer who has failed a drug test to continue representing this sport as a champion," he said, urging the organization to consider the reputational damage caused by allowing a tainted titleholder to remain on the books. The interim victory over Saavedra was a showcase of Bentley’s skill and determination. The bout proved to be a grueling contest, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows before Bentley found the opening that would end the fight in the seventh round.
"It felt amazing," Bentley recounted. "It was my first time fighting at the O2, and to win there is something special." He praised Saavedra, noting that the Colombian opponent is an Olympian who, despite a low public profile, possesses significant punching power and resilience. "Endry is a tough, tough man," Bentley said.
"He doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he isn’t a household name, but he’s an Olympian. I had limited amateur experience, yet I managed to stop an Olympian." Bentley described his tactical approach during the fight, emphasizing patience and timing.
"I caught him at the end of the fourth round and thought, ‘I’ve got you.’ The next round he came at me hard, and I realized I couldn’t let him recover. I had to stay relaxed, wait for the right moment, and then unleash my shot. If I’d given him a breather, it could have turned into a long night." He continued, "By the fifth round I could feel the intensity rising. I knew I had to adapt, because he was trying to shift the momentum.
When I landed that decisive punch, I knew I couldn’t let him get away with it." Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile opportunities. "A unification bout would be an honor," he said. "If I can secure a fight that brings together the best in the division, it would be fantastic." Even if a unification doesn’t materialize immediately, Bentley stresses that an official upgrade to full champion would be a significant personal milestone. "I already see myself as a world champion given the circumstances, but having the belt officially recognized would validate all the hard work and sacrifice.
It would mean the world to me and to everyone who supports me." In summary, Denzel Bentley’s request to the WBO is rooted in a blend of competitive fairness, ethical standards, and personal ambition. He argues that stripping Alimkhanuly and promoting the interim title would restore clarity to the middleweight division, reward his own achievement, and uphold the sport’s integrity. The boxing community, from fans to fellow fighters, is watching closely as the organization deliberates on this pivotal decision.