In the shadow of McCaskill vs Price, the United Kingdom is set to experience a small-hall conflict that should provide fireworks. Denzel Bentley (18-3-1), the former world title contender, is set to take on Danny Dignum (16-1-1), the former WBO European Middleweight champion, in a bout that will establish who will remain at – or progress to – the top.
In November of 2022, Denzel Bentley seemed to be at the height of the sport. Engaging with WBO World Middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (15-0), Bentley took the Kazakh warrior the distance, only stumbling in the championship rounds. Ultimately, Bentley made an incredible impression on the world stage.
Earlier in the same year, WBO European Middleweight champion Danny Dignum also attempted to take on ‘Qazaq Style’, only to receive a savage KO in the second round. This is the only serious blemish on Dignum’s record, but a major one – especially when comparing the two men about to take to York Hall on May 11th.
Bentley, after his world title fight, seemed poised to remain at the top of the division, especially coming off a first round knockout of 18-1, at the time, Kieran Smith (18-2-1). Then, on the 18th of November, in a shocking upset, Stoke-on-Trent hero Nathan Heaney (18-0-1) would steal away Bentley’s BBBofC British Middleweight title.
This is a major set-back for Bentley. Which, if anything, might make the Londoner more determined to come out on top and grasp the WBO International Middleweight title that is on the line here.
Dignum, on the other hand, has struggled far more beyond a continental level. Certainly, he has not received the praise that Bentley received, coming off the Alimkhanuly loss. Also, Dignum entertaining thoughts of retirement at this moment will not benefit him on a mental level, especially against a tough, powerful artisan like Bentley.
This should prove to be a wild, dangerous fight for both men, with each of them on the cusp of further greatness – or a continued fall. Personally, given the underdog perspective of Bentley and the diminished attitude of Dignum, one can only see Bentley prevailing here.
Although, in the home of British boxing, upsets are not uncommon and who knows what can happen in this unpredictable sport.
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