Denzel Bentley, the London‑based middleweight, has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to upgrade his current interim title to a full world championship. Bentley secured the WBO interim middleweight belt earlier this month after delivering a decisive stoppage against Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena. The interim status stems from the fact that the division’s recognized champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, is under a one‑year suspension imposed by the WBO following a failed anti‑doping test. Bentley believes that Alimkhanuly’s title should be stripped as part of his punishment, thereby making Bentley the legitimate WBO middleweight champion.
Bentley’s frustration is amplified by his recent history with Alimkhanuly. The two met in a 2022 world‑title bout that went the distance, with Alimkhanuly retaining his crown.
In light of the drug‑test failure, Bentley argued that Alimkhanuly no longer possesses any credibility or justification for holding the belt. "He hasn't defended the WBO title against a mandatory challenger since he won it, which is about three or four years now, and now he's failed a PED test," Bentley told Sky Sports. He contended that the governing body should act swiftly to remove Alimkhanuly and recognize the interim champion as the true titleholder.
The British fighter emphasized the broader impact on the division. "All the fighters in this weight class are being penalised for someone else's mistake," he explained. "The WBO should allow the situation to move forward, give a new face the chance to rise, and let me work my way back up as a recognized champion." Bentley’s camp is actively lobbying the organization for an upgrade, though the final decision remains uncertain.
"I just hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and listens to the voices that are speaking out," Bentley said. "The media and the fans also have a role in making noise. We are not happy that someone who failed a drug test is still representing this sport as a champion." Bentley’s recent victory over Saavedra was a testament to his skill and determination.
The bout proved to be a grueling contest, but Bentley managed to break through in the seventh round, delivering the finishing blow. "It feels great," he remarked, noting that it was his first fight at the O2. "Endry is a tough opponent, an Olympian, and he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he isn’t a household name. I had limited amateur experience, yet I stopped an Olympian." He described the tactical approach he employed during the fight.
"He was physically strong and could punch well, so I knew I had to stay relaxed and wait for the right moment. When I saw the opening, I had to take it, because if he recovered, it would have been a long night for me." Bentley recounted a pivotal moment at the end of the fourth round when he landed a decisive shot, thinking, "I've got you." The following round saw Saavedra respond aggressively, prompting Bentley to adjust his strategy. "I realized I couldn’t let him recover, so I had to keep the pressure and change the momentum of the fight," he explained.
Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile opportunities. He expressed a desire to participate in a unification bout, stating, "It would be an honour to be in a unification fight. If I can get one of those, it’ll be great." However, his immediate priority remains the official recognition of his status. "Being upgraded to a full world champion would validate what I already feel inside," he said.
"Even though I consider myself a champion given the circumstances, having the belt officially acknowledged would be wonderful." Bentley’s call for the WBO to act reflects a larger conversation within boxing about how governing bodies handle title vacancies and anti‑doping violations. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, aware that the decision could set a precedent for future cases where interim champions seek full recognition after a champion’s suspension.
For Bentley, the stakes are personal and professional: a formal promotion would not only cement his place in the middleweight hierarchy but also provide a platform for the lucrative, high‑visibility fights he aspires to secure. The boxing world awaits the WBO’s response, and Bentley remains ready to step into the spotlight as the division’s rightful champion.