From street fighter to world champion – Bentley’s rise to top

British middleweight boxer Denzel Bentley has detailed his journey from unconventional street fighting to becoming a world champion, despite nearly turning to delivery driving amid financial struggles. After winning British and European titles, a 16-month hiatus left Bentley with dwindling funds before he defeated Endry Saavedra in April 2026 for the WBO interim middleweight belt. He was subsequently elevated to full champion after Janibek Alimkhanuly moved up in weight.

Bentley's world championship reign ended after 102 days without making a defense when he chose to fight Shane Mosley Jr rather than face his mandatory challenger. Now signed with promoter Zuffa Boxing, the 31-year-old fighter is scheduled to face Mosley at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday, aiming to position himself for another world title run.