RESULT: Denzel Bentley scored a second round knockout of Danny Dignum at York Hall, Bethnal Green. The contest wrapped up at 2-53 in the second over after Dignum tasted the sail for the third time.
Bentley took the WBO International middleweight title that was vacant due to his problems. More importantly, it’s a back-and-forth path to a world championship run.
IMPORTANT TIMES: It was all about the second (and final) round. When Bentley got his right hand to the body, he used that shot to knock Dignum down twice. Anticipating a similar punch, Danny’s left hand dropped as Bentley swiped home a right header.
Dignum also suffered a severe cut over his left eye, although that was less of a concern as referee John Latham and Dignum’s trainer Eddie Lam met late into the night.
RECORDS: Heavy-handed Bentley improves to 19-3-1, 16 KOs, while Dignum falls to 16-2-1, 9 KOs.
TALKING POINTS: Bentley found his range early and won the foot battle. Speaking about possible retirement if he losesDignum is boxing like a man who doesn’t have confidence in himself.
Nathan Heaney was sitting on the sidelines to witness the action. The Stoke fighter upset Bentley back in November 2023 and promoter George Warren is keen on a comeback (see quote below).
QUOTABLE: “I told you not to call you back!” Bentley said from the ring apron. “You see nothing in me. Life is going well. [I want] more belts, I want to go higher. You can’t hold me. I want something and I won’t stop until I get it.”
Seeking redemption as a man and as a boxer, Bentley explained how problems in his family life led to Heaney’s subpar performances.
George Warren added: “Naturally, I would like to see that fight again at the end. Denzel will always be fighting.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: This was a good match, considering their previous spars and back-to-back performances against Janibek Alimkhanuly. Dignum talked about retiring during the week if he lost the tournament, and he did. The southpaw was understandably rusty and will explore his options.
As TNT sports commentator Paul Dempsey pointed out, Bentley has restored its reputation as a British, European and world class player. That is a fair assessment.
SUPPORTING CAST: Ryan Garner (15-0, 8 KOs) survived a bad cut to outlast a brave Liam Dillon (13-2-1, 3 KOs) by scores of 98-93, 99-92 and 98-92.
Nathaniel Collins (15-0, 7KOs) defeated Francesco Grandelli (18-3-2, 4KOs) by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 (twice) to take Grandelli’s EBU Silver featherweight title.
Archie Sharp (25-0, 9KOs) won the opening round to claim a 77-73 victory over Reuquen Cona Facundo Arce (17-15-2, 7 KOs).
Royston Barney-Smith (10-0, 5 KOs) defeated Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira (6-9, 5 KOs) by a score of 79-73.
‘Norfolk Nightmare’ Tommy Fletcher (8-0, 6 KOs) opened the televised portion with a 60-54 victory over Viktar Chvarkou (5-13, 3 KOs).
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