Denzel Bentley, the London‑based middleweight, has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to upgrade his status from interim champion to full world champion. Bentley earned the interim WBO middleweight belt earlier this month after delivering a decisive stoppage against Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena.

The interim designation exists because the current WBO middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, is under a one‑year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Bentley argues that Alimkhanuly should be stripped of the title as part of his sanction and that the vacant championship should be awarded to him. He feels the current situation is unjust, especially given his own history with the Kazakh fighter. In 2022, Bentley travelled to Alimkhanuly’s corner for a world‑title bout and lasted the full distance, a performance that still resonates with him today.

"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 hasn’t defended the WBO belt against a mandatory challenger since he won it – that’s three or four years now – and now he’s failed a PED test." Having secured the interim crown, Bentley believes the logical next step is for the WBO to recognize him as the legitimate middleweight champion. He explained, "Now I’ve won the interim belt and it’s mine. But for both of us – even my opponent – it matters.

If he had won, he could call himself a world champion. He can’t say that because of the WBO’s decisions. The fighters in the division are all being punished for someone else’s actions. The organization should move on, allow a new face to emerge, and let me work my way back up as the rightful champion." His camp is actively lobbying the sanctioning body for the upgrade, though Bentley admits the final decision remains uncertain.

"I just hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and listens to the people making noise. The media and the fans also have a role – we’re not happy. We, the fans, contribute to the sport," he said. "We’re not happy that someone who failed a drug test is representing this sport as a champion.

Maybe they’ll see it from that angle." Bentley’s victory over Saavedra was a hard‑fought affair that showcased his resilience and tactical acumen. The fight unfolded as a grueling contest until Bentley found the opening to finish the bout in the seventh round. Reflecting on the experience, he noted, "It feels good. I’d never boxed at the O2 before – that was my first time.

Endry is a tough man. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he isn’t a big name, he doesn’t shout about himself, and he’s not often seen. But he’s an Olympian.

I had limited amateur experience, and I just stopped an Olympian." He described Saavedra as physically strong and capable of landing powerful punches, which forced Bentley to stay calm and patient. "I knew I had to stay relaxed, bide my time, and when I saw the opening, I had to take it. If he recovered, it would have been a long night," Bentley recalled. Bentley recounted a pivotal moment in the fourth round when he landed a decisive blow.

"I caught him at the end of the fourth and thought, ‘I’ve got you.’ The next round he came at me with a barrage, and I thought, ‘Alright, I can’t let him recover.’ I knew it was close. He was getting more intense each round, and I realized I needed to change something because he was trying to take over the momentum.

When I landed that shot, I knew I couldn’t let him get away." Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile opportunities. "It would be an honour to be in a unification fight.

If I can get one of those, it’ll be great," he said. "But it would also be an honour to be officially upgraded to a world champion, even though I already see myself as that because of the circumstances.

To have it recognized officially would be fantastic." The broader boxing community is watching the dispute closely. Many fans and analysts argue that a champion who fails a drug test should indeed be stripped of the belt, preserving the integrity of the sport.

Others point out that the WBO’s regulations often require a formal hearing before a title can be vacated, which can delay the process. Bentley’s case highlights the tension between regulatory procedures and the desire for swift justice in the ring. If the WBO decides to promote Bentley, it would set a precedent for how interim champions are treated when the primary titleholder is disqualified.

It could also accelerate the re‑ordering of the middleweight division, allowing contenders like Bentley to pursue marquee match‑ups without the shadow of an inactive champion looming over them. Regardless of the outcome, Bentley remains focused on his craft. He continues to train rigorously, fine‑tuning his footwork, defensive skills, and power punching. His team is also exploring potential fights with other top‑ranked middleweights, aiming to cement his status as a legitimate world‑class contender.

In summary, Denzel Bentley’s request to the WBO is rooted in a belief that the title should reflect clean competition and that his own interim victory merits full recognition. He has articulated his case passionately, emphasizing fairness for the division, respect for the fans, and the need for the sport to uphold its standards. Whether the governing body will accede to his demand remains to be seen, but the conversation has already sparked significant dialogue about title legitimacy, anti‑doping enforcement, and the future of the middleweight class.