London‑based 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 in which he secured the WBO interim middleweight belt by stopping Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena earlier this month. Bentley’s interim title came about because the division’s recognized champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, is currently serving a one‑year suspension imposed by the WBO after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
While the sanction leaves Alimkhanuly’s title technically vacant, the governing body has so far opted to keep him listed as champion, a decision Bentley believes is unjust and contrary to the sport’s integrity. “The champion has no credibility left,” Bentley told Sky Sports. “He hasn’t defended the WBO belt against a mandatory challenger in three or four years, and now he’s failed a PED test.
It’s time for the WBO to strip him and recognize the interim holder as the legitimate champion.” Bentley’s frustration is amplified by his own history with Alimkhanuly. In 2022 the Briton went the distance with the Kazakh fighter in a world‑title bout, only to lose a close decision.
That experience, combined with Alimkhanuly’s recent suspension, fuels Bentley’s belief that the interim champion should automatically become the full champion without further bureaucratic delay. He argued that the current situation punishes the entire division for the actions of a single individual. “All the fighters in this weight class are suffering because of someone else’s mistake,” Bentley said. “The WBO should move forward, allow a new face to step into the spotlight, and let the rest of us work our way back up without being held back by a title that isn’t being defended.” Bentley’s camp is actively lobbying the organization for the title upgrade, though they acknowledge that the final decision rests with the WBO’s executive board.
“We’re hoping the governing body sees the bigger picture and the outcry from fans and the media,” Bentley added. “The sport belongs to the supporters, and we’re not happy seeing a champion who failed a drug test still being presented as the face of boxing.” The interim champion’s recent performance against Saavedra was a clear statement of his readiness for full‑championship status. Bentley stopped the Colombian in the seventh round after a hard‑fought battle, showcasing both his power and tactical patience.
“It felt amazing,” he reflected. “It was my first fight at the O2, and I had to stay relaxed, wait for the right moment, and then capitalize. Saavedra is a tough Olympian‑trained fighter who doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he isn’t a household name.
I respect his skill, but I knew I had to keep my composure and strike when the opening appeared.” He described the pivotal moments of the bout in vivid detail. “I landed a decisive blow at the end of the fourth round and sensed I had him. In the next round he came back with a flurry, and I realized I couldn’t let him recover. The fight grew more intense each round, and I could feel him trying to shift the momentum.
When I finally landed that clean shot, I knew I couldn’t let him slip away.” Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile opportunities. He expressed interest in a unification clash, saying, “If I can secure a fight that brings together titles from different organizations, it would be an incredible honor.” At the same time, he emphasized that an official promotion to full champion would be a significant personal milestone.
“Even though I already feel like a world champion because of the circumstances, having the belt formally recognized would mean a lot to me and to everyone who has supported my journey.” Bentley’s appeal highlights a broader debate within boxing about how governing bodies handle title vacancies and interim championships, especially when the reigning champion is removed for disciplinary reasons. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see whether the WBO will heed Bentley’s call and formally elevate him, thereby restoring clarity to the middleweight division’s hierarchy. In the meantime, Bentley continues to train and prepare for his next challenge, confident that his performance at the O2 and his outspoken stance have positioned him as a rightful contender for the full world title.
He remains hopeful that the combined pressure from his team, the media, and boxing enthusiasts will compel the WBO to make a decisive ruling that reflects the sport’s commitment to fairness and competition.