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. The request follows his recent victory in which he stopped Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena, securing the WBO interim middleweight belt earlier this month.
Bentley’s interim title was awarded because the current WBO middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, is serving a one‑year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance. While the sanction leaves Alimkhanuly technically holding the world title, Bentley argues that the champion’s credibility has been irreparably damaged and that the title should be stripped as part of the punishment. In Bentley’s view, the WBO should then recognize him as the legitimate middleweight champion. The British boxer’s frustration is understandable.
He previously faced Alimkhanuly in a 2022 world title bout and lasted the full distance, proving he can compete at the highest level. "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 just claimed the interim crown, Bentley feels the belt belongs to him and that the WBO’s decision will affect the entire division. "Now I’ve won it, and it’s mine. But if my opponent, or anyone else, wants to claim they’ve fought for a world title, they can’t because the WBO’s choices have left the division in limbo," he explained.
"All the fighters are being punished for someone else’s mistake. The organization should move forward, crown a new champion, and let the rest of us earn our way back up." Bentley’s camp is actively lobbying for the title upgrade, though they have no certainty about the outcome.
"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 are the fans that keep this sport alive," Bentley said.
"We’re not pleased that someone who failed a drug test is still representing boxing as a champion. Maybe the organization will view it from that perspective." The interim victory over Saavedra was a hard‑fought affair that showcased Bentley’s skill and determination. The fight unfolded over seven rounds, with Bentley finally breaking through in the seventh to secure the stoppage. "It feels great.
It was my first time fighting at the O2, and I was thrilled to win there," he remarked. "Endry is a tough opponent. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he isn’t a big name and doesn’t hype himself, but he is an Olympian.
I had limited amateur experience, yet I managed to stop an Olympian." Bentley described Saavedra as physically strong and capable of landing powerful punches, forcing him to stay calm and wait for the right moment. "I caught him at the end of the fourth round and thought I had him, but he came back strong in the next round. I realized I couldn’t let him recover, so I had to finish the job," Bentley recalled. He added that Saavedra grew more aggressive as the fight progressed, prompting Bentley to adjust his strategy.
"I could feel him trying to shift the momentum, so when I landed that decisive shot I knew I couldn’t let him get away." Looking ahead, Bentley is eager for higher‑profile matchups. "A unification bout would be an honour.
If I can get one of those, it would be fantastic," he said. "But even just being officially upgraded to world champion would mean a lot to me, even though I already consider myself a champion because of the circumstances. To have that official recognition would be wonderful." Bentley’s appeal highlights a broader issue in boxing: how governing bodies handle titles when champions are suspended for doping violations.
The WBO must decide whether to vacate the belt, promote the interim champion, or pursue another solution. For Bentley, the answer is clear – he wants the organization to acknowledge his interim triumph as a full world championship and to strip Alimkhanuly of the title that he believes has been tarnished by the failed drug test. The outcome will shape the future of the middleweight division and could set a precedent for how similar situations are addressed in the sport.