9 hrs ago
1 min read
Denzel Bentley’s WBO middleweight title reign ended in the blink of an eye.
According to multiple reports, Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) has signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing. He’s also vacating his middleweight title.
His decision comes just days after Warriors Boxing submitted a winning purse bid of $200,000 to have the promotional rights for Bentley vs. Yoenli Hernandez.
Initially, Bentley was entitled to at least 75% of that bid, totaling $150,000, while Hernandez (11-0, 9 KOs) would take home the remaining 25%, $50,000.
Bentley, a 31-year-old from London, will make his Zuffa Boxing debut on November 7 as the co-main event to Chris Billam-Smith vs. Chev Clarke.
Hernandez, 29, is waiting on the WBO’s next move. The No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger likely won’t face Tim Tszyu next, the No. 2 contender, as the Australian native is in talks to face Erislandy Lara, the WBA middleweight champion.
Vito Mielnicki, ranked No. 3 by the WBO, could get the call. The 24-year-old from Belleville, New Jersey, is coming off the best performance of his career, a lopsided victory over Austin “Ammo” Williams on September 4 .
Immediately after that win, Mielnicki (24-1, 13 KOs) expressed his desire to fight for a world title next. Now, he’s seemingly in a position to have his wish granted.
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