Yoenli Hernandez assigned Michael Zerafa as mandatory by WBO

Following the stripping of middleweight titleholder Denzel Bentley, the WBO has appointed Australia’s Michael Zerafa to meet top-rated Cuban contender Yoenli Hernandez for the title.

The Monday announcement by the WBO comes as England’s Bentley, 22-3-1 (18 KOs), prepares for a Saturday bout against Shane Mosley Jnr.

Bentley lobbied for a voluntary matchup, but the WBO rejected it, countering that a mandatory title defense was overdue.

The 29-year-old Hernandez, 11-0 (9 KOs), was inserted into that top position by virtue of his two victories this year, including an August majority decision victory over Francisco Veron.

As Bentley went on with the Mosley fight, to be staged at London’s Copper Box Arena, the WBO settled on 2024 WBA title challenger Zerafa, 32-5 (20 KOs), as Hernandez’s challenger despite his having just one victory since 2022.

Those backing the muscular, power-punching Hernandez describe him as one of boxing’s most avoided talents.

In addition to Bentley dodging his mandatory, WBO No. 2-rated contender Vito Mielnicki Jnr, 24-1-1 (13 KOs), declared himself “unavailable” despite not having fought since September.

With No. 3-rated Tim Tszyu bound for a December title shot at WBA belt holder Erislandy Lara, Zerafa had his title shot.

Hernandez and Zerafa have 20 days to strike a deal or a purse bid will be scheduled.