Denzel Bentley is calling on the WBO to elevate his status to full world champion after his recent victory. Having secured the WBO Interim middleweight title with a stoppage win over Endry Saavedra, Bentley believes he should be recognized as the rightful champion, especially given the current titleholder Zhanibek Alimkhanuly's one-year suspension for failing a drug test. Bentley argues that Alimkhanuly should be stripped of the title, citing his own credible performance against the suspended champion in a 2022 title fight.
Bentley expressed frustration that the WBO's decisions are affecting not just him, but all fighters in the division, and hopes that the organization will reconsider its stance. His team is pushing for a title upgrade, and while the outcome is uncertain, Bentley remains optimistic that his case will be heard. He also reflected on his impressive win over Saavedra, praising his opponent's toughness and highlighting the significance of his own achievement in stopping an Olympian. With his sights set on higher-level fights, including potential unification bouts, Bentley hopes to be officially recognized as a world champion, a status he already feels he deserves.