Denzel Bentley Calls for Janibek Alimkhanuly to Be Stripped of World Title
British middleweight contender Denzel Bentley has publicly demanded that reigning WBO world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly be immediately stripped of his title. This call comes in the wake of Alimkhanuly's positive test for the banned substance Meldonium last year, which resulted in significant disciplinary actions.
Doping Scandal and Suspensions
Alimkhanuly, the Kazakh middleweight titleholder, tested positive for Meldonium, leading to a 12-month ban imposed by the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Additionally, the Kazakhstan Professional Boxing Federation has suspended him for six months. This doping violation has cast a shadow over his championship reign and sparked controversy within the boxing community.
Bentley, who suffered a defeat to Alimkhanuly four years ago, expressed strong opinions on the matter. He believes the champion should lose his title as a consequence of the suspension, rather than retaining it during the ban period.
Interim Title Fight and Future Plans
In response to the situation, the WBO has sanctioned an interim middleweight title fight. Denzel Bentley is set to face Endry Saavedra in April for this interim 160lb championship. The winner of this bout is scheduled to challenge Alimkhanuly for the full world title once his suspension concludes.
However, Bentley argues that he should be competing directly for the world title now, rather than through an interim route. He emphasized his desire to fight for the championship in London, feeling that the current arrangement unfairly penalizes him for Alimkhanuly's actions.
Bentley's Strong Stance on the Issue
"I think he should be stripped," Bentley stated firmly. "If he's going to serve a suspension, I think he should be stripped, and when his suspension is done, he can get the first shot at whoever the new champion is."
He acknowledged the WBO's efforts to navigate the complex situation by creating an interim title opportunity but expressed frustration with the delay. "So it is what it is; the WBO have tried their best to make everything work out and wait for the interim title, but, you know, God willing, I'll get my hands on that, and after that, we'll see where we can go."
Winning the interim title would represent a significant milestone for Bentley, positioning him as the top contender. "It means I'm right there, doesn’t it? It means I'm right there, but the job's not done. I’ve still got that one more step, one more hurdle. It's just annoying that I've got to wait until his suspension is done to get my shot at a world title."
Frustration with the Punishment Dynamic
Bentley highlighted a sense of injustice, feeling that he is indirectly punished by the champion's doping violation. "As much as I appreciate what the WBO have done, allowing me to box for the interim, I feel like I'm still being punished for what he's done. But it is what it is. It's one of those wild situations where they've got someone doping, but they still don't really know what to do with it."
He explained the procedural complexities involved, noting that the WBO's ability to take definitive action depends on prior rulings from Alimkhanuly's licensing body. "But it's something to do with whoever he's licenced with have to find him guilty before the WBO can actually take action and strip him. So the interim is good enough for now."
This situation underscores ongoing challenges in boxing governance regarding doping cases and title management, with Bentley's upcoming fight serving as a critical step in resolving the middleweight division's uncertainty.
