Denzel Bentley stripped of WBO middleweight title after appeal rejected

Denzel Bentley has been stripped of his WBO middleweight title after his appeal to delay a mandatory defence against Yoenli Hernandez was rejected.

The Englishman was elevated from interim to full champion in July following Janibek Alimkhanuly's move to 168lbs, but was subsequently ordered to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Hernandez.

A purse bid was held, with Warriors Boxing securing the promotional rights to the contest with a winning offer of $200,000. Bentley was entitled to 75 per cent of the purse, equivalent to $150,000.

Despite the order, Bentley signed with Zuffa Boxing, which subsequently announced that he would face Shane Mosley Jnr on November 7 in London, England.

Bentley appealed to the WBO for permission to make a voluntary defence against Mosley rather than fulfil his mandatory obligation against Hernandez. The request was denied, and the sanctioning body has now stripped Bentley of his middleweight title.

WBO president Gustavo Oliveira confirmed the decision in a social media post.

“The WBO has officially withdrawn Denzel Bentley’s recognition as World Middleweight Champion and declared the title vacant, effective October 30, 2026, following his failure to comply with mandatory championship obligations,” the statement read.

“The decision was unanimously ratified by the WBO Executive Committee.”