Denzel Bentley is demanding the WBO upgrade him from interim to full middleweight champion following his stoppage victory over Endry Saavedra at the O2 Arena earlier this month. The Londoner claimed the WBO Interim middleweight title with a seventh-round finish, but now wants the organization to strip Zhanibek Alimkhanuly of the full title and recognize him as champion.

Alimkhanuly is serving a one-year suspension after failing a drug test. Bentley argues the champion has no credibility, pointing out he hasn't defended against a mandatory challenger in three to four years. "I don't think Janibek has any leg to stand on to hold that title," Bentley told Sky Sports. The Briton went the distance with Alimkhanuly in a 2022 world title fight.

Bentley's team is pressing for the title upgrade but the outcome remains uncertain. He's calling on fans and media to support his case, arguing fighters in the division are being punished for someone else's actions. "We are not happy that someone that has failed a drug test is representing this sport as a champion," he said. The victory over Saavedra, an Olympian, marked an impressive statement performance at the O2, and Bentley sees himself as world champion already - he just wants the official recognition.