London‑based boxer Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to recognise him as the division’s full champion rather than merely an interim title holder. Bentley earned the WBO interim middleweight belt after stopping Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena earlier this month, a victory that has reignited the debate over the status of the current world champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. Alimkhanuly, who captured the WBO middleweight crown three or four years ago, is currently serving a twelve‑month suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
The sanction has left the belt in a state of limbo, with Bentley assuming the interim role while the organisation deliberates on Alimkhanuly’s fate. Bentley believes the punishment should extend to stripping Alimkhanuly of the title altogether, thereby promoting the interim champion to full champion status.
“The man has no credibility left, and he has no legitimate claim to the belt after a positive PED test,” Bentley told Sky Sports. “He hasn’t faced a mandatory challenger since he won the title, and now he’s failed a drug test. It’s unfair to let him keep the championship under those circumstances.” Bentley’s frustration is amplified by his own history with Alimkhanuly.
The two met in a 2022 world‑title bout that went the distance, with Alimkhanuly retaining his crown. That experience, combined with his recent interim triumph, fuels Bentley’s conviction that he should be acknowledged as the rightful titleholder.
"Now I’ve won the interim belt, it’s mine," Bentley explained. "But the current champion can’t claim to have defended a world title or to be a former world‑title challenger if the WBO doesn’t upgrade my status. The whole division is being penalised for someone else’s mistake. The organisation should move forward, crown a new champion, and let the rest of us earn our way back up." Bentley’s camp is actively lobbying the WBO for an upgrade, though the promoter admits the outcome remains uncertain.
"I hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and listens to the voices that are raising concerns," Bentley said. "The media and fans also have a role – we’re the ones who keep the sport alive, and we’re not happy seeing a fighter 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.
Bentley stopped the Colombian in the seventh round after a hard‑fought contest, describing the win as a "feel‑good" moment, especially as it was his first appearance at the O2. "Endry is a tough opponent, an Olympian, but he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he isn’t a household name," Bentley noted. "I had limited amateur experience, yet I managed to outbox an Olympian." Bentley recounted his strategy during the fight, emphasizing patience and timing. "He was strong physically and could land punches, so I had to stay relaxed and wait for the right opening," he said.
"I caught him at the end of the fourth round, and when he came back aggressive in the fifth, I knew I couldn’t let him recover. I had to finish the job before he could regain momentum." He added, "I felt the fight shifting each round, and when I landed that decisive shot, I knew I couldn’t let him slip away. The moment I saw the opening, I went for it because a long night would have been dangerous for both of us." 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 that doesn’t happen immediately, being officially upgraded to world champion would mean a lot to me. I already consider myself a champion given the circumstances, but having the belt formally recognised would be a huge validation of my work and dedication." The situation highlights a broader issue within boxing: how governing bodies handle title vacancies and interim champions when a reigning champion is suspended for doping violations. Fans, promoters, and fighters alike are watching the WBO’s next move closely, aware that the decision will set a precedent for future cases.
In the meantime, Bentley remains focused on his training and future match‑ups, confident that his performance at the O2 has cemented his place among the division’s elite. "I’m ready for whatever comes next," he affirmed. "Whether it’s a unification fight or an official promotion, I’ll keep working hard and prove that I belong at the top of the middleweight class."