Bentley Appeals WBO Mandatory, Signs Mosley Jr Fight

WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley has appealed to the sanctioning body to make a voluntary defense instead of facing mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, according to a Bad Left Hook report. Bentley signed with Zuffa Boxing and will fight Shane Mosley Jr on Nov. 7 in London.

Bentley became full WBO champion after Janibek Alimkhanuly moved up from middleweight. Dan Rafael first reported that Bentley would vacate the belt and leave Queensberry Promotions rather than face Hernandez, who won a purse bid with a minimum offer that would have paid Bentley under $200,000. Lance Pugmire later revealed Bentley filed the appeal instead of vacating outright.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Premier Boxing Champions Card on Ticketmaster →

Bentley Defends Mosley Jr Matchup

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bentley defended the move. "I'm very game. I like to have a fight," he said. "Most importantly I am still currently the WBO middleweight champion. My team has put in an appeal, that appeal has gone through. We are hoping that we can get through this appeal and we get to defend this WBO title against a game, ranked opponent too."

Mosley Jr carries a 23-5 record with 13 knockouts. Bentley described him as dangerous, noting the son of the Hall of Famer has motivation to prove himself. Hernandez holds an 11-0 mark with nine knockouts.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Premier Boxing Champions Card on Ticketmaster →

Bentley's appeal follows similar cases this year where champions avoided mandatories after low purse bids. The WBO has not yet ruled on whether it will approve the voluntary defense or strip Bentley and order Hernandez to fight for the vacant title.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Denzel Bentley ducks Yoenli Hernandez, fights Shane Mosley Jr on Zuffa Boxing 12