London‑born middleweight Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to upgrade his status from interim champion to full world champion. The request follows his recent triumph at the O2 Arena, where he secured the WBO interim middleweight belt by stopping Endry Saavedra in the seventh round. Bentley’s appeal is rooted in the ongoing suspension of the division’s current titleholder, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, who has been barred from competition for a year after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
Alimkhanuly, the reigning WBO middleweight champion, has not defended his title against a mandatory challenger since capturing it roughly three to four years ago. Bentley argues that the champion’s failure to meet his obligations, compounded by the doping violation, should result in Alimkhanuly being stripped of the belt. In Bentley’s view, the interim title he now holds should automatically become the full world championship, reflecting the reality of the division’s hierarchy. The British fighter’s frustration is understandable.
He previously faced Alimkhanuly in a 2022 world title bout that went the distance, only to fall short on the judges’ cards. "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 opponent in years, and now, after failing a performance‑enhancing drug test, the champion’s legitimacy is further compromised. Bentley’s statements emphasize the broader impact on the division. "Now I’ve won the interim belt and it’s mine, but the fighters in the division are all being punished for someone else’s actions," he said.
He contended that the WBO should allow the situation to move forward, granting a new face—himself—a chance to be recognized as the rightful champion and to climb the ladder without being held back by the fallout of another boxer’s misconduct. His camp is actively lobbying the WBO for the title upgrade, though Bentley admits the outcome remains uncertain.
"I just hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and the people that are making noise. I feel it’s also up to the media and the fans to make noise as well," he explained. "We are not happy that someone who has failed a drug test is representing this sport as a champion. Maybe they can see it from that side." Bentley’s victory over Saavedra was a showcase of skill and determination.
The fight was competitive, with both men exchanging heavy blows, but Bentley managed to break through in round seven, delivering a decisive combination that forced the referee to stop the contest. "It feels good. I’d never boxed at the O2 before – that was my first time," Bentley said after the win. He praised Saavedra’s toughness, noting the Chilean’s Olympic background and limited exposure in the professional ranks.
"Endry is a tough, tough man. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he’s not a big name, but he’s an Olympian.
I had limited amateur experience and I just stopped an Olympian," Bentley remarked. Strategically, Bentley described how he managed the fight’s tempo. He recognized Saavedra’s physical strength and punching power, opting to stay relaxed and wait for the right opening.
"I caught him at the end of the fourth and thought I had him, but the next round he came back with a beating on me. I knew I couldn’t let him recover," Bentley recalled. He noted that Saavedra grew increasingly aggressive each round, prompting him to adjust his tactics mid‑fight. "When I landed that shot, I thought I can’t let him go now," he said, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on decisive moments.
Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile opportunities. He expressed interest in a unification bout, which would pit him against another champion and potentially cement his status among the sport’s elite. "It would be an honour to be in a unification fight. If I can get one of those, it’ll be great," he said.
However, he also stressed that an official upgrade to full world champion would be a significant achievement in its own right. "It would be an honour to just be upgraded officially to a world champion, even though I see myself as that now because of the circumstances. Just to be officially one, that would be great," Bentley concluded.
The situation underscores the complexities that arise when a champion is stripped of credibility due to doping violations. Boxing governing bodies must balance the integrity of their titles with the interests of active contenders who have earned their positions through hard‑fought victories. For Bentley, the interim title is already a testament to his skill, but the official recognition of a full world championship would provide the validation and opportunities he believes are deserved after a year of navigating a tumultuous division.