Denzel Bentley vs. Liam Smith - Being Explored

[Ruthless-RKO]

Queensberry targeting Liam Smith for Denzel Bentley

Frank~Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are targeting a bout between newly crowned WBO interim middleweight champion Denzel Bentley and Liam Smith.

England’s Bentley collected the vacant interim title with a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra earlier in April, on the undercard of Deontay Wilder-Dereck Chisora. Bentley, 31, declared himself world champion following his win due to the full titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly being unable to defend his title after being suspended for a year having tested positive for a banned substance.

Bentley’s promoters, Queensberry, are looking at a suitable opponent for his first defense of his title, and Boxing Scene understands that they are prioritising a bout with former junior-middleweight titleholder Smith. Smith, 37, held the WBO title from 2015-2016.

He has been competing at middleweight since 2022 and has had success in the division, in particular a fourth-round stoppage of Chris Eubank Jnr in 2023 – before being stopped inside 10 in the rematch eight months later. He has not tasted victory since his first encounter with Eubank Jnr; his past contest ended in defeat by Aaron McKenna in April 2025.

Smith was also in contention to fight British middleweight champion George Liddard earlier in 2026.

[CaptainSpacerod]

Rubbish fight. Why drag Smith out for one last payday, enough with the pension fights for ageing boxers already.

Denzel should have bigger fish to fry at world level but if not, doesn’t Brad Pauls deserve a rematch after his win against Thompson

Or is Liddard ready for a crack at him

[MPW]

Rubbish fight. Why drag Smith out for one last payday, enough with the pension fights for ageing boxers already.

Denzel should have bigger fish to fry at world level but if not, doesn’t Brad Pauls deserve a rematch after his win against Thompson

Or is Liddard ready for a crack at him

I agree wholeheartedly. I think Smith is way beyond his "sell by" date and hasn't looked good in his last couple outings. No need to run him out again for a last hurrah or a final chance at glory.

Bentley should fight at least one more time this year, I mean it is only mid-April. Rather than waiting on Alimkhanuly, a quality bout in Britain would keep the edge sharp. A rematch with Pauls would be a good option, while a bout with Liddard would be interesting, and Cash just returned to the ring.

[Glass Joe]

Liam smith is beyond shot. Liked denzel interview on matt christie podcast.

[Taansend]

Beefy has had ONE WIN in four years (by the time they get in the ring).

fornicating ridiculous to even mention this.

I'd rather a rematch with Cash than this.