Britain's Denzel Bentley has officially been elevated to full WBO middleweight champion following the resignation of Janibek Alimkhanuly from the title. The WBO announced that Alimkhanuly, who faced a one-year suspension for testing positive for a banned substance in December, intends to move up to super middleweight.

Bentley, aged 31, previously secured the interim WBO middleweight champion title by defeating Endry Saavedra in April. Promoter Frank Warren expressed his delight, stating, "Great news for Denzel Bentley. A huge achievement for him, [manager] Martin Bowers and the whole team. He grabbed the opportunity when it came, one that was fully deserved. Congratulations, champ!"

With a professional record of 22 wins, 3 defeats, and 1 draw from 26 fights, Bentley's rise marks a significant milestone in his boxing career.

In a statement, the WBO noted that "no mandatory championship defence has been satisfied in the middleweight division for more than two years" and that they will determine whether Bentley's first defence will be mandatory or voluntary.

The WBO also identified Yoenli Hernandez, a 29-year-old from Cuba, as the mandatory challenger for the newly vacated belt.