Denzel Bentley has asserted his claim to the WBO middleweight world championship, stating he "is a world champion" despite holding an interim title. This demand follows a failed drug test by the current WBO champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly, which has led to his suspension and Bentley's current interim status. Bentley is pushing the WBO to elevate his interim belt to a full championship, effectively stripping Alimkhanuly of his standing and positioning Bentley as the legitimate titleholder.
Bentley's stance is clear: the interim title is a formality, and the circumstances surrounding Alimkhanuly's suspension should translate into his immediate recognition as the full champion. He's openly critical of Alimkhanuly, referring to him as a "world champion that ain't even allowed to box for now," and believes the organization should declare Alimkhanuly a champion-in-recess while crowning him.
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Claiming Interim Status After Layoff
Bentley secured the WBO interim 160lbs title recently, fighting against Endry Saavedra and stopping him in the seventh round. This victory came after a considerable layoff for Bentley, with reports indicating he had been out of action for approximately 15 months. While this win has put him in line for a shot at the full title, the process has been complicated by the ongoing situation with Alimkhanuly. Some observers had questioned Bentley's readiness due to his extended break from competition.
The Shadow of Alimkhanuly's Suspension
The core of Bentley's argument hinges on the WBO's handling of Janibek Alimkhanuly's failed drug test. Alimkhanuly, the recognized WBO middleweight champion, received a one-year suspension after testing positive for banned substances. This suspension, finalized around February 2026, has left the middleweight division in limbo, with Bentley believing this situation warrants his immediate ascension. He has publicly called on the WBO to strip Alimkhanuly of his belt, framing it as a necessary step to resolve the championship situation and fulfill his own aspirations, particularly for his son, Cairo. Bentley sees this as "one more step, one more hurdle" to overcome before he can be fully recognized.
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Historical Context and Future Ambitions
Bentley's pursuit of Alimkhanuly dates back some time, with previous discussions about a rematch, even being proposed for significant undercard events. Bentley has expressed a desire for revenge against Alimkhanuly, referencing an initial encounter between them. He has indicated a willingness to travel for such a bout, suggesting that Alimkhanuly should also consider fighting outside of Kazakhstan. Bentley aims to avoid limiting his options and wants to move forward with his career, aiming for a world title shot rather than just another fight. The situation presents a complex interplay of championship politics, athlete performance, and regulatory consequences within the boxing world.
