Denzel Bentley stripped of WBO title, cites Zuffa Boxing as factor
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 5, 2026, 2:53 AM
Last updated Nov 5, 2026
Denzel Bentley lost his WBO middleweight championship after being stripped by the WBO, which cited mandatory obligations after a failed voluntary defense. Bentley, who debuts at Zuffa Boxing 12, contends this decision comes as a result of his recent promotional change from Queensberry to Zuffa Boxing. He has filed a second appeal against the WBO's ruling. Bentley claims he was not prioritized by Queensberry, which led to inactivity. Yoenli Hernandez is set to fight Michael Zerafa for the now-vacant title.
- •Bentley was WBO champion for 102 days before losing his title.
- •His title was stripped due to a mandatory defense not being arranged.
- •Bentley believes his switch to Zuffa Boxing impacted the WBO's decision.
- •He has filed a second appeal regarding the title's status.
- •Hernandez will face Zerafa for the vacant middleweight belt.
- 2:53 AMYahoo Sports — Denzel Bentley believes signing with Zuffa Boxing cost him WBO world title: 'There was no other reason'
"Bentley, who debuts Saturday at Zuffa Boxing 12, has now filed a second appeal against the WBO's handling of the matter and decision to strip him.
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