In the shadow of McCaskill vs Price, the United Kingdom will face a dispute over which small halls should provide fireworks. Denzel Bentley (18-3-1), former world champion, will face Danny Dignum (16-1-1), former WBO European Middleweight champion, in a fight that will determine who remains – or moves forward – at the top. Watch the fight on TNT Sports this Saturday.
In November 2022, Denzel Bentley appeared at the top of his game. Partnering with WBO World Middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (15-0), Bentley took on the Kazakh champion, only to stumble in the championship round. Finally, Bentley made a stunning impression on the world stage.
Earlier in the same year, WBO European Middleweight champion Danny Dignum also tried to take on the ‘Qazaq Style’, but received a heavy KO in the second round. This is the only negative aspect of Dignum’s record, but a big one – especially when compared to the two men who will go to York Hall on May 11.
Bentley, after his world title fight, seemed ready to stay at the top of this division, especially coming out of the first round of 18-1, at that time, Kieran Smith (18-2-1). Then on 18 November, in a major upset, Stoke-on-Trent champion Nathan Heaney (18-0-1) will steal Bentley’s BBofC British Middleweight title.
This is a big comeback for Bentley. Which could make the Londoner determined to come out on top and capture the WBO International Middleweight title that is on the line here.
Dignum, on the other hand, has struggled to surpass the continental standard. Of course, he still hasn’t received the praise that Bentley received, coming off the loss of Alimkhanuly. Also, Dignum’s entertaining thoughts of retirement at this point won’t benefit him on a mental level, especially against a strong, powerful professional like Bentley.
This should prove to be a wild, dangerous fight for both men, each of whom is on the cusp of further greatness – or further downfall. Personally, given the underdog perception of Bentley and the diminished attitude of Dignum, one can only see Bentley winning here.
Although, in the home of British boxing, upsets are rare and who knows what could happen in this unlikely match.
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