Denzel Bentley believes Zuffa Boxing move cost him WBO world title

Denzel Bentley believes his move to Zuffa Boxing contributed to the WBO stripping him of its middleweight title, although he acknowledges he cannot establish that as the reason.

The WBO’s stated position is that Bentley failed to meet his mandatory championship obligations. The dispute remains unresolved as he prepares to face Shane Mosley Jr at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 7 November.

Bentley’s Zuffa debut is the co-main event beneath Chris Billam-Smith’s cruiserweight meeting with Cheavon Clarke.

What Denzel Bentley said about losing his WBO title

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Wednesday, Bentley questioned why an initially permitted voluntary defence was followed by an order to face mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez.

“I can’t say for certain, but that’s what I think,” he said, according to Uncrowned’s report.

Bentley argued that Mosley Jr, ranked sixth by the WBO, would have been a suitable voluntary challenger before a subsequent defence against Hernandez.

He also said he felt he had not been treated fairly during the process. His comments represent his account of the dispute, rather than an established finding about the WBO’s motives.

Why did the WBO strip Denzel Bentley?

Bentley became full champion in July after Janibek Alimkhanuly moved up to super middleweight.

The WBO subsequently ordered him to defend against Hernandez. A purse bid was won by Warriors Boxing, but Bentley pursued the Mosley Jr fight and sought permission for it to take place as a voluntary defence.

His request and an appeal were rejected. The WBO withdrew his recognition as champion on 30 October, citing failure to comply with mandatory obligations, as reported by BoxingScene.

The organisation has published its official resolution on Bentley’s title status.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri told Uncrowned that Bentley has filed a further appeal concerning the handling of the matter and the decision to strip him.

Hernandez and Zerafa ordered to negotiate for vacant belt

The WBO has ordered Hernandez and Michael Zerafa to negotiate a fight for the vacant middleweight championship.

Their teams have until 23 November to reach an agreement before purse bids are called, according to The Ring.

That order does not mean a date and venue have been confirmed. It also leaves Bentley preparing for Saturday’s contest without the WBO championship on the line.

Why Bentley chose Zuffa Boxing

Bentley has described his promotional move as a decision about activity, opportunity and his financial future.

He told Uncrowned that Matchroom offered him a Hernandez fight in Ghana, but said the proposal arrived after he had agreed to join Zuffa and was worth less than the Zuffa offer.

For now, his immediate assignment is Mosley Jr. Bentley enters with a 22-3-1 record, while the American is 23-5.

How to watch Denzel Bentley vs Shane Mosley Jr

UK viewers can watch Zuffa Boxing 12 on Sky Sports on Saturday 7 November. Main coverage begins at 7pm GMT, with preliminary bouts available on Sky’s digital platforms from 5pm.

Sky Sports’ latest event guide confirms the broadcast arrangements. The 5pm time is the start of preliminary coverage, not Bentley’s ring walk.

Alongside Billam-Smith vs Clarke and Bentley vs Mosley Jr, the card includes Zach Parker against Umar Dzambekov and Lucas Roehrig against Connal McDonald.

Sam Hickey now faces Amaury Massenaux, with the opponent change confirmed in the promotion’s latest fight preview.

Our Billam-Smith vs Clarke viewing guide has further card details. Follow our boxing news coverage for updates on Bentley’s appeal and Saturday’s results.