Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization, urging the governing body to recognize him as a full‑time world champion rather than merely an interim title holder. The London‑based pugilist secured the WBO interim middleweight crown earlier this month after delivering a decisive stoppage against Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena.
Bentley’s interim status stems from the fact that the current WBO middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, is serving a twelve‑month suspension imposed by the organization after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Bentley argues that Alimkhanuly’s title should be vacated as part of his disciplinary sanction, which would automatically elevate Bentley to the position of undisputed WBO middleweight champion.
The British fighter’s frustration is understandable, especially given his history with Alimkhanuly. In 2022, Bentley travelled to the ring with the Kazakh champion for a world‑title bout, ultimately losing a hard‑fought contest that went the distance. "I don’t think Janibek has any credibility or any sort of leg to stand on to hold that title," Bentley told Sky Sports, emphasizing that the champion has not defended the belt against a mandatory challenger in three to four years and now faces a PED violation.
Bentley’s comments highlight a broader issue within the division: the ripple effect of a single athlete’s misconduct on his peers. "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 explained. "The WBO should allow the situation to move on, promote a new face, and let the rest of us work our way back up without being held hostage by a title that belongs to a disgraced champion." His camp is actively lobbying the WBO for an official upgrade, though the final decision remains uncertain.
Bentley believes that pressure from the media, the fans, and the boxing community at large could sway the organization. "I just hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and the people making noise," he said. "We, the fans, contribute to the sport, and we’re not happy that someone who failed a drug test is still being presented as a champion." The fight that earned Bentley the interim belt was a gritty, hard‑fought encounter. He faced Endry Saavedra, an Olympian with limited professional exposure but a strong amateur pedigree.
Bentley described the bout as his first experience fighting at the iconic O2 venue and praised Saavedra’s toughness. "He’s a tough, tough man who doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he isn’t a big name," Bentley noted. "He’s an Olympian, and I stopped an Olympian." The middleweight battle unfolded over several rounds of tactical maneuvering. Bentley recounted that he first landed a decisive blow at the end of the fourth round, sensing an opening.
The following round saw Saavedra retaliate with a flurry, prompting Bentley to adjust his strategy. "I realized I couldn’t let him recover, so I had to stay relaxed, bide my time, and when the moment came, I had to press the attack," he explained. By the seventh round, Bentley had found the perfect opportunity to finish the fight, delivering a powerful combination that forced the referee to intervene.
Reflecting on the fight’s dynamics, Bentley emphasized the importance of timing and mental composure. "I felt him trying to change the momentum of the fight. When I caught him with that shot, I thought I couldn’t let him go now," he said.
He also highlighted Saavedra’s physical strength and punching power, which required Bentley to remain patient and avoid unnecessary exchanges that could have turned the tide. Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile matchups. He expressed a desire to participate in a 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." However, his immediate priority remains the official recognition of his status.
"It would also 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," he concluded.
Bentley’s appeal underscores a recurring debate in boxing about how governing bodies handle interim titles and champion suspensions. While the WBO has yet to announce a definitive ruling, the British fighter’s vocal advocacy, combined with fan sentiment, may influence the organization’s next steps. Should the WBO decide to strip Alimkhanuly and elevate Bentley, it would not only validate Bentley’s recent achievements but also restore a sense of fairness and clarity to the middleweight division, allowing the athletes to compete for a title that truly reflects the sport’s integrity.