British world champion Denzel Bentley has extended an offer to Conor Benn to challenge him for the WBO middleweight title.
Benn’s career direction is currently uncertain after being stopped in the second round by Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas last Saturday. Competing against a top-tier opponent for the first time, the 29-year-old struggled while contesting Garcia’s WBC welterweight title and was halted by the referee after taking heavy shots while pinned against the ropes. Following the fight, Benn was taken to the hospital as a precaution and was unable to attend the post-fight media session. He later shared on social media that he plans to take a break to focus on his family.
Bentley, a Londoner who claimed the WBO interim middleweight title by defeating Endry Saavedra in April before being promoted to full champion, expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of a high-profile domestic clash with Benn.
“Conor’s motivation during the Garcia fight was to win the WBC title, just like his father did,” Bentley told The Ring magazine. “I actually hold the WBO middleweight belt that his father once had. I would happily face him because it’s a win-win situation, not just me giving him a chance. He’d also be giving me a shot to earn significant money. It would be a compelling story, given it’s his father’s old title, and it would definitely increase my profile. He’s getting another shot to fulfill his dream, albeit under different circumstances.”
Bentley, who has yet to announce an opponent for his first title defense despite Yoenli Hernandez being the WBO mandatory challenger, added, “If Benn wants to move up and fight for my belt, I’d have to accept because it benefits us both. I’m now a world champion, which is a lifelong accomplishment, and it’s time to capitalize financially.”
Benn currently holds a professional record of 25 wins and 2 losses with 14 knockouts but has been defeated in two of his last four fights.
Fan Take: This potential matchup between Bentley and Benn is an exciting prospect for boxing fans, blending family legacy with championship stakes. It could not only elevate both fighters’ careers but also generate significant domestic hype, revitalizing interest in British boxing at a world-class level.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
