Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization, urging them to upgrade his status from interim champion to full world champion. The London‑born fighter secured the WBO interim middleweight crown after delivering a stoppage win over Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena earlier this month. Bentley’s interim title came about because the current WBO middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, has been handed a one‑year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Bentley believes that Alimkhanuly should be stripped of the belt as part of his disciplinary sanction, and that the vacant title should automatically pass to him.

The British boxer is especially incensed because he previously went the distance with Alimkhanuly in a 2022 world‑title bout, only to lose a decision. "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 hasn’t defended the WBO belt against a mandatory challenger since he won it – that’s three or four years – and now he’s failed a PED test." Having just captured the interim belt, Bentley feels the decision is overdue.

"Now I’ve won it and it’s mine, but the division is being punished for someone else’s mistake," he explained. "If Alimkhanuly were stripped, I could legitimately claim to have fought for a world title and, having won, be recognized as a world champion.

The current situation leaves my opponent unable to claim that status, and the fighters in this weight class deserve a clear path forward." Bentley’s camp is actively lobbying the WBO for the upgrade, though they admit the outcome remains uncertain. "I just hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and listens to the voices that are raising concerns," Bentley said.

"The media and the fans also have a role – we’re not happy that a boxer who failed a drug test is still representing this sport as a champion." The interim champion’s performance against Saavedra was a showcase of skill and determination. After a grueling contest, Bentley found his opening in the seventh round and forced a stoppage. "It feels great," he said.

"It was my first fight at the O2, and I was up against a tough opponent. Endry is an Olympian, but he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he isn’t a household name. I had limited amateur experience, yet I managed to stop an Olympian." Bentley described the fight’s rhythm in detail. He noted that Saavedra was physically strong and capable of landing powerful punches, so he had to stay relaxed and pick his moments.

"I caught him at the end of the fourth round and thought I had him. The next round he came back strong, and I realized I couldn’t let him recover. I could feel the intensity rising each round, and I knew I had to adjust or he would take over.

When I landed that decisive shot, I knew I couldn’t let him get away." Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile opportunities. "A unification bout would be an honour.

If I can secure one, that would be fantastic," he said. "Even if a unification doesn’t happen right away, being officially recognized as a world champion would mean a lot to me. I already see myself as a champion given the circumstances, but an official designation would validate everything we’ve worked for." In summary, Bentley’s case rests on three main arguments: the current champion’s violation of anti‑doping rules, his own recent interim‑title victory, and the broader impact on the middleweight division. He contends that keeping Alimkhanuly on the books while he serves a suspension undermines the integrity of the sport and penalizes fighters who are trying to climb the ranks.

By promoting Bentley, the WBO would not only reward a boxer who has proven his mettle in the ring but also restore clarity to the title picture, allowing contenders to pursue a legitimate world championship without the shadow of a suspended champion looming over them. Bentley’s appeal underscores a larger conversation within boxing about how governing bodies handle doping infractions and interim titles.

Fans, promoters, and fellow athletes are watching closely, hoping the organization will act decisively to preserve the sport’s credibility. For Bentley, the next steps involve continued pressure on the WBO, maintaining his momentum in the ring, and preparing for whatever challenge comes next—whether that’s a unification fight, a defense of his interim belt, or finally, the recognition as the undisputed middleweight world champion.