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 secured the WBO interim middleweight belt earlier this month after delivering a stoppage win over Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena.
The interim title was awarded because the current WBO middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, is currently serving a one‑year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Bentley believes that Alimkhanuly’s title should be stripped as part of his sanction, and that the vacant championship should automatically pass to him. Bentley’s frustration is understandable. In 2022 he travelled to the United States to challenge Alimkhanuly for the full world title and lasted the full twelve rounds, ultimately losing a close decision.
"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 pointed out that Alimkhanuly has not defended the WBO crown against a mandatory challenger since winning it, a period that stretches to three or four years, and now the champion has failed a performance‑enhancing drug test. Having just captured the interim belt, Bentley argued that the decision to keep the title on a suspended fighter penalises the entire division.
"Now I’ve won it, and it’s mine, but the other guys in the division – even my opponent – can’t claim they fought for a world title or that they’re former world‑title challengers. If Alimkhanuly had retained his belt, they could say they fought a champion.
Because of the WBO’s current stance, they can’t," he explained. "The fighters in this weight class are being punished for someone else’s mistake. The organization should move forward, crown a new champion, and let the rest of us work our way back up." Bentley’s camp is actively lobbying the WBO for an upgrade, though the promoter admits the outcome remains uncertain.
"I just hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and hears the voices of those making noise. It’s also up to the media and the fans to keep the pressure on.
We’re not happy – the fans are the lifeblood of this sport," Bentley said. "We don’t want a boxer who has failed a drug test representing the sport as a champion.
Maybe that perspective will help the decision." The interim victory over Saavedra was a hard‑fought affair that showcased Bentley’s resilience and tactical acumen. The bout extended into the seventh round before Bentley found the opening that forced the referee to stop the contest. "It feels great.
I’d never boxed at the O2 before – this was my first time there," Bentley recalled. He praised Saavedra, describing him as a "tough, tough man" who doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves because he isn’t a household name. "He’s an Olympian, and I had limited amateur experience, yet I managed to stop an Olympian," Bentley added.
Bentley detailed his game plan, noting Saavedra’s physical strength and punching power. "He was strong physically and could land hard shots, so I knew I had to stay relaxed, bide my time, and strike when the moment presented itself. If he recovered from my first strike, the night could have been much longer," he said.
He recounted a pivotal moment at the end of the fourth round when he landed a decisive blow, thinking, "I’ve got you now." The following round saw Saavedra answer back aggressively, prompting Bentley to adjust his strategy. "I realized he was gaining momentum, so I had to change things. When I landed that shot, I knew I couldn’t let him recover," Bentley explained.
Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile matchups. "A unification fight would be an honour. If I can land one of those, it would be fantastic," he said. Yet he also expressed that being formally recognized as a world champion would be a significant personal milestone.
"Even though I already see myself as a champion because of the circumstances, an official upgrade would validate that status," Bentley concluded. The situation highlights a broader debate within boxing about how sanctioning bodies handle interim titles and the repercussions of doping violations.
Critics argue that allowing a suspended champion to retain the belt undermines the integrity of the sport and disadvantages active contenders. Supporters of the interim system claim it maintains continuity while investigations proceed. Bentley’s case may become a precedent for how the WBO and other organizations address similar scenarios in the future.
If the WBO decides to strip Alimkhanuly and promote Bentley, the Londoner would become the undisputed middleweight champion, opening doors to potential unification bouts with other titleholders such as the IBF, WBC, or WBA champions. Conversely, if the organization maintains the status quo, Bentley will likely have to defend his interim title against top contenders while waiting for a formal resolution.
Either way, his recent performances and vocal advocacy have placed him firmly in the spotlight, and fans worldwide will be watching closely to see how the WBO responds to his appeal.