London‑based middleweight Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to upgrade his status from interim champion to full world champion. Bentley secured the WBO interim middleweight crown earlier this month with a decisive stoppage of Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena, a victory that has reignited the debate surrounding the current titleholder, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly.
Alimkhanuly, who has held the WBO middleweight belt for roughly three to four years, is currently serving a one‑year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Bentley argues that the sanction imposed on Alimkhanuly should also entail the forfeiture of his world title, thereby paving the way for Bentley to be recognized as the legitimate champion. The British fighter’s frustration is understandable.
In 2022 he faced Alimkhanuly in a world title bout and managed to last the full distance, a performance that demonstrated his capacity to compete at the highest level. "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 belt against a mandatory challenger since winning it, and now that he has failed a PED test, the title’s integrity is in question. Bentley’s argument extends beyond personal ambition. He contends that the entire division is being unfairly penalized for the actions of one athlete. "We’re all being punished for someone else’s mistake," he said.
"The WBO should move forward, allow a new face to emerge, and let the fighters work their way back up without being held hostage by a suspended champion’s status." His team is actively lobbying the governing body for an official upgrade, though they acknowledge that the decision ultimately rests with the WBO. Bentley emphasized the role of fans and the media in applying pressure: "I hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and hears the noise from the public. We, the fans, contribute to the sport, and we’re not happy seeing a champion who failed a drug test still representing boxing." The interim title win over Saavedra was a showcase of Bentley’s skill and determination. The bout proved to be a hard‑fought contest, with Bentley finally breaking through in the seventh round to secure the stoppage.
Reflecting on the experience, he said, "It feels good. It was my first time fighting 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 big name. I had limited amateur experience, yet I managed to stop an Olympian." Bentley described the tactical approach he employed during the fight.
He noted Saavedra’s physical strength and punching power, which forced him to stay relaxed and wait for the right opening. "I caught him at the end of the fourth round and thought I had him.
The next round he came back strong, so I knew I couldn’t let him recover. I sensed he was gaining momentum, so when I landed my decisive shot, I didn’t want to let him get away," Bentley explained. Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile opportunities.
He expressed interest in a potential 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." At the same time, he emphasized that being formally recognized as a world champion would be a significant milestone, even though he already feels he deserves that status given the circumstances. The broader implications of Bentley’s request touch on the governance of boxing titles.
When a champion is suspended for a doping violation, the usual protocol often involves stripping the title and promoting the interim champion. However, the WBO has yet to make a definitive ruling in this case, leaving Bentley in a liminal position—holding an interim belt that many consider equivalent to a full championship, yet lacking the official designation.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Some argue that the WBO should act swiftly to preserve the credibility of its middleweight division, while others caution that due process must be observed.
Regardless of the outcome, Bentley’s vocal advocacy highlights the challenges athletes face when navigating the politics of sanctioning bodies. In the meantime, Bentley continues to train and prepare for his next fight, confident that his performance at the O2 has cemented his place among the division’s elite. He remains hopeful that the WBO will acknowledge his achievements and grant him the full world champion title he believes he has earned through merit and circumstance.