Denzel Bentley defeated Brad Pauls for the British and European middleweight titles and immediately targeted a world title rematch.
Former British middleweight champion Denzel Bentley won back the British title he lost in shock fashion against Nathan Heaney whilst also claiming the vacant EBU European title at Wembley Arena.
Weathering mid-round storms from defending champion Pauls, Bentley showed professionalism and grit to gain a unanimous decision victory, picking up a knockdown in round 10 and completing the performance.
Having operated at higher levels than both Heaney and Pauls, Bentley losing the British title was a shock to fight fans and it was no surprise to see him regain the prestigious belt again.
Denzel Bentley says he’s improved as a fighter ahead of World title aspirations
Having previously stepped up to face Janibek Alimkhanuly in November 2022, Bentley was comfortably outclassed by the Kazakh operator on the way to suffering his second professional defeat.
Bentley is confident he has made the necessary improvements to step back up to World level and face former opponent Janibek in a rematch for his WBO and IBF world middleweight championships.
Bentley said, “That Denzel that fought Janibek was pure heart, pure grit, pure toughness, fit and ready to go to work and all heart.”
Further confirming the improvements that will allow Bentley to compete, he stated: “This time I’ve got experience, heart and skill.”
Who could Denzel Bentley face in 2025?
With promoter Frank Warren confirming in the build-up to Bentley against Pauls, that the winner will face Janibek to try and become a unified World champion, the middleweight division is one of the open boxing weights.
41-year-old Erisandy Lara has essentially held the WBA title hostage, fighting just seven times in 5 years and the Cuban has three losses and three draws on his record, offering a prime opportunity for three belts.
A fight that will get fans on the edge of their seats in a domestic dust-up at World level with fellow British World title contender Hamzah Sheeraz. The unbeaten stablemate boasts an impressive 21-0 unbeaten record, stopping 17 of those opponents. Sheeraz confirmed a Riyadh season fight against WBC champion Carlos Adames, an all-British undisputed middleweight fight that could potentially be two or three fights away.