BoxRec

Denzel Bentley set for British middleweight title defence to Kieran Smith on April 15

Two-time British middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (17-2-1, 14KO) is preparing to defend his title to newest challenger Kieran Smith (18-1, 7KO) on April 15 in London, live on BT Sport.

27-year-old Battersea boxer Bentley comes straight from his world title challenge into a British title defence against Scotland's top contender Smith.

Scottish southpaw Smith, known as 'Chopper', was a WBC International Silver whose only defeat came at the hands of formidable 'Trojan' Troy Williamson in 2021. He has since bounced back with two shutout points victories to earn his shot at the Linsdale belt.

I'm not sure beating a 1-2-1 novice in your last fight constitutes "earning" a British title fight, in a weight division you've barely competed in, but hey ho, at least Bentley isn't hanging around dwelling on his loss,

Was just thinking the same myself, hell of a soft way to “earn” a title shot, particularly when you look at Tyler Denny’s recent run for example.

I guess the fights ok, as Bentley is very active, he’s coming off a tough fight and this would allow him to win the British outright.

Bentley's making the most of his opportunities rather than sitting idle, so fair play to him.

The match up is nothing to get excited about, however, Bentley does have a habit of being involved in good tussles.

I can't help but like Bentley to be honest. He's just getting amongst it!

this fight still on?

I guess it will be on the Joyce undercard.

The BBBofC have ordered the winner to fight Hamzah Sheeraz.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 09:11 The BBBofC have ordered the winner to fight Hamzah Sheeraz.

Now there’s a fight to look forward to

Fight Week!!

CaptainSpacerod wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 10:57

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 09:11 The BBBofC have ordered the winner to fight Hamzah Sheeraz.

Now there’s a fight to look forward to

Doubt it happens tho'

skanksta wrote: ↑12 Apr 2023, 07:57

CaptainSpacerod wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 10:57

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 09:11 The BBBofC have ordered the winner to fight Hamzah Sheeraz.

Now there’s a fight to look forward to

Doubt it happens tho'

I think it will. Fwank will be behind Sheeraz as well.

mickey1975 wrote: ↑12 Apr 2023, 10:07

skanksta wrote: ↑12 Apr 2023, 07:57

CaptainSpacerod wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 10:57
Now there’s a fight to look forward to

Doubt it happens tho'

I think it will. Fwank will be behind Sheeraz as well.

I'm thinking Denzel wins the LLB for keeps, vacates and demands 'world level fights' a-al-Paul Smith from now on.

Hope I'm wrong - might be the best money fight for DB...

Denzel wasn't hanging about. Who next, Sheeraz or Signani?

Great confidence boosting win for Bentley and fair play to him for defending his British title.

Denzel need look no further than John Ryder for inspiration when it comes to "dusting yourself off, and start all over again"

wrighty wrote: ↑15 Apr 2023, 19:32 Denzel wasn't hanging about. Who next, Sheeraz or Signani?

I reckon Warren will stall it - I can see them going for Signani next

Manchester Hitman wrote: ↑17 Apr 2023, 03:28

wrighty wrote: ↑15 Apr 2023, 19:32 Denzel wasn't hanging about. Who next, Sheeraz or Signani?

I reckon Warren will stall it - I can see them going for Signani next

Why would he? If Sheeraz fancies it, it's on. FW sees a much bigger commercial value in Sheeraz.

they didnt fancy the jani fight for hamza, i wonder if they regret it at all

The original left hook was too fast for me, needed to see it again in slow motion.

Great shot, timed great, short too, only needed inches, before finishing him off with the big right hand, nasty KO

mickey1975 wrote: ↑17 Apr 2023, 03:45

Manchester Hitman wrote: ↑17 Apr 2023, 03:28

wrighty wrote: ↑15 Apr 2023, 19:32 Denzel wasn't hanging about. Who next, Sheeraz or Signani?

I reckon Warren will stall it - I can see them going for Signani next

Why would he? If Sheeraz fancies it, it's on. FW sees a much bigger commercial value in Sheeraz.

Bentley is a very entertaining TV friendly fighter, who is getting better and profile is starting to expand, so what’s the point of potentially getting him beat again at this point. He can box him against Signani for the Euro, or a domestic against say Liam Williams. If I’m BrickTop, I’m keeping them separate until it’s hopefully a very big fight that can fill the 02 & do massive ratings on BT/TNT.

In a market where Yarde against Beterbiev didn't sell out, to expect Sheeraz vs Bentley to do the o2 is crazy.

Do either sell many tickets?

Too often in boxing tomorrow never comes, or comes too late, why not match them now? It's hard enough to make 50-50 fights domestically as it is, due to the abundance of promoters, let's not request hurdles to prevent matches between stablemates.

Otherwise, the "reign" of Dalton Smith will become increasingly the norm.

Could Denzel to Cash in the rerun? It seems Cash hasn't fought in a while and he's pulled out for a few. Bentley v Williams would be good too