Denzel Bentley should push for an immediate fight against WBO middleweight champion Yoenli Hernandez rather than waiting until 2027. With Hernandez showing defensive vulnerabilities against Francisco Veron, Bentley has the timing and power required to exploit those weaknesses now.
Hernandez recently displayed a habit of hiding behind a high guard, allowing Veron to land frequent combinations before replying with heavier counterpunches. That strategy echoes fellow Cuban David Morrell, whose reliance on a tight guard led to a tenth-round stoppage loss against Zak Chelli in May. Allowing opponents to build momentum and land punches behind the guard carries significant risk, particularly against a puncher with Bentley’s power. Dev Sahni highlighted this tactical opening when assessing the match-up. He stated: “After watching him last night, boxing’s latest ‘boogeyman’ Hernandez looks beatable if someone has power and timing. Denzel Bentley has both of those things,”
Still, exploiting those gaps requires Bentley to absorb severe return fire. Veron withstood heavy counters throughout his bout without hitting the canvas.
Bentley’s durability remains a question mark following stoppage and points losses to Janibek Alimkhanuly, Felix Cash, and Nathan Heaney. While recent victories over Danny Dignum, Derrick Osaze, Brad Pauls, and Endry Saavedra rebuilt his standing, none of those opponents possess Hernandez’s elite pedigree. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed Bentley is permitted one voluntary defense before meeting Hernandez, with 38-year-old Liam Smith mentioned as a potential option. However, at 31 years old and with nine years of professional fighting behind him, delaying the mandatory fight until 2027 risks adding unnecessary mileage to Bentley’s career. Taking the title shot immediately offers the British fighter his best chance to capitalize on Hernandez’s defensive flaws.
