Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization, urging the governing body to upgrade his status from interim champion to full world champion. The London‑based boxer secured the WBO interim middleweight belt earlier this month after delivering a stoppage win over Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena. Bentley’s interim title is a direct result of the current champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, being sidelined by a one‑year suspension imposed by the WBO after the Kazakh fighter failed a doping test. Bentley believes that Alimkhanuly’s punitive suspension should include the stripping of the world title, which would automatically elevate Bentley to the undisputed middleweight champion of the organization.
The British fighter’s frustration is amplified by the fact that he previously faced Alimkhanuly in a 2022 world title bout, where he lasted the full distance but ultimately fell 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.
He added that Alimkhanuly has not defended the WBO crown against a mandatory challenger since winning it, a period that stretches to three or four years, and now the champion has also failed a performance‑enhancing drug test. Bentley’s argument goes beyond personal ambition; he contends that the current situation penalises every fighter in the division for the actions of a single individual. "Now I’ve won the interim belt and it’s mine, but the whole division suffers," he explained.
"If Alimkhanuly were stripped, the rightful champion would be the fighter who actually earned the title in the ring. The other contenders deserve a clear path forward without the shadow of a tainted champion hanging over them." His camp is actively lobbying the WBO for the title upgrade, though they acknowledge that the final decision rests with the organization. Bentley emphasized the role of the media and the boxing public in applying pressure: "I hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and listens to the voices of fans and journalists. We, the supporters, are the lifeblood of this sport, and we’re not happy seeing a boxer who failed a drug test still being presented as a champion." The interim champion’s recent performance against Saavedra was a showcase of skill and determination.
The bout proved to be a grueling contest, with Bentley finally breaking through in the seventh round to secure a stoppage victory. Reflecting on the fight, Bentley said, "It feels great. It was my first time fighting at the O2, and I was up against a very tough opponent.
Endry is an Olympian, and despite not being a household name, he deserves far more credit for his talent and work ethic." He described Saavedra’s physical strength and punching power, noting that he had to stay composed and wait for the right moment to strike. "I caught him at the end of the fourth round and thought I had him, but he came back strong in the next round.
I realized I couldn’t let him recover, so I had to finish the job when the opportunity presented itself," Bentley recounted. Bentley also detailed the tactical adjustments he made during the fight. "I could feel the intensity rising each round, and I knew I had to change my approach or risk being overwhelmed.
When I landed that decisive shot, I wasn’t going to let him slip away," he said. Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile matchups. He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of a unification fight, stating, "It would be an honor to step into a unification bout. If that opportunity arises, it would be fantastic for my career and for the sport." Even if a unification bout does not materialize immediately, Bentley believes that an official upgrade to full world champion status would be a significant validation of his achievements.
"I already consider myself a champion given the circumstances, but having the WBO formally recognize me as the world champion would be a huge milestone," he affirmed. In summary, Denzel Bentley’s campaign to have the WBO elevate him from interim to full champion is rooted in both personal ambition and a broader sense of fairness for the middleweight division.
He argues that the current champion’s doping violation and prolonged inactivity undermine the integrity of the title, and that the interim holder, having earned his belt in the ring, deserves the official recognition. As the debate continues, fans, media, and the governing body will all play crucial roles in determining the final outcome for Bentley and the WBO middleweight championship.