London‑based boxer Denzel Bentley has publicly appealed to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to recognize him as the legitimate middleweight world champion, rather than merely an interim titleholder. Bentley earned the WBO interim middleweight belt earlier this month after a decisive stoppage win over Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena, a triumph that has reignited debate over the status of the division’s top spot. The current situation stems from the suspension of Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, the reigning WBO middleweight champion, who has been barred for a year after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Because Alimkhanuly remains the official titleholder on paper, Bentley is technically only an interim champion, a designation that typically serves as a placeholder until the full champion can defend the belt.
Bentley, however, argues that Alimkhanuly’s infraction warrants the outright stripping of his title, and that the WBO should consequently elevate Bentley to full champion status. Bentley’s frustration is understandable. He faced Alimkhanuly in a 2022 world‑title bout that went the distance, only to lose 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, emphasizing that Alimkhanuly has not defended the belt against a mandatory challenger in three to four years and now has a failed PED test on his record. "Now I’ve won the interim belt and it’s mine," Bentley continued. "But if the WBO doesn’t upgrade it, my opponent can’t claim he fought for a world title, and he can’t be called a former world‑title challenger.
The decisions the WBO makes affect every fighter in the division. We deserve a clear champion, not a title that’s in limbo because of someone else’s mistake." Bentley’s camp is actively lobbying the organization for a title upgrade, though they acknowledge that the final decision rests with the WBO’s leadership.
"I just hope the WBO sees what’s happening in the division and listens to the voices that are raising concerns," Bentley said. "It’s also up to the media and the fans to keep the pressure on. We’re not happy that a boxer who failed a drug test is still being presented as a champion.
The sport’s integrity is at stake." The interim champion’s recent victory over Saavedra was a compelling showcase of his skill and determination. The fight, which took place at the iconic O2 Arena, saw Bentley weather a tough early exchange before finding the opening that led to a stoppage in the seventh round.
"It feels amazing," Bentley remarked. "It was my first time fighting at the O2, and to win there is special. Endry is a tough opponent – an Olympian with solid amateur pedigree – but I stayed calm, waited for the right moment, and capitalized on it." Bentley explained his strategy in detail: "I caught him at the end of the fourth round and thought I had him. The next round he came back strong, so I knew I couldn’t let him recover.
I could feel the fight intensifying each round, and I had to adjust quickly. When I landed that decisive shot, I knew I couldn’t let him slip away." Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile match‑ups that could cement his standing among the sport’s elite. "A unification bout would be an honour," he said. "If I can secure one, it would be fantastic.
But even just being officially upgraded to full world champion would mean a lot to me. I already feel like a champion because of the circumstances, but having the belt officially recognized would be the ultimate validation." The broader boxing community is watching the situation closely. Many fans and analysts argue that the WBO should act decisively to maintain credibility, especially after a champion has been found guilty of a doping violation. Others caution that title politics can be complex and that any change should follow established protocols.
Regardless of the outcome, Bentley’s call for fairness highlights a recurring issue in professional boxing: how governing bodies handle interim titles and the consequences of a champion’s misconduct. As the dialogue continues, Bentley remains focused on his training and future fights, confident that his performances in the ring will speak louder than any bureaucratic decision.
In summary, Denzel Bentley is demanding that the WBO promote him from interim to full middleweight world champion, arguing that Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s suspension for a failed drug test should result in the latter’s title being vacated. Bentley’s recent win over Endry Saavedra, his past experience fighting Alimkhanuly, and his outspoken stance on the matter have all contributed to a growing conversation about title legitimacy and the sport’s integrity. The final verdict from the WBO remains pending, but Bentley’s resolve and ambition suggest he will continue to pursue both recognition and higher‑stakes bouts, aiming to solidify his place among boxing’s top contenders.