The World Boxing Organization has scheduled purse bids for two upcoming title fights in the super middleweight and middleweight divisions. Janibek Alimkhanuly will face Jacob Bank for the vacant super middleweight belt, while Denzel Bentley and Yoenli Hernandez are set to contest the middleweight title through a purse bid next week.
With Hamzah Sheeraz vacating the 168-pound title ahead of a potential bout with former middleweight champion Alimkhanuly, the WBO has given “Qazaq Style” 15 days to negotiate with the number three contender, Jacob Bank, for the vacant super middleweight championship. Alimkhanuly holds an undefeated record of 17 wins, 12 by knockout, while Bank is also unbeaten at 20-0 with 11 knockouts. Bank’s claim to the title shot is supported by his recent performances, including knockout victories over William Scull and Paulinus Ndjolonimu, and a unanimous decision win over Pawel Augustynik earlier this year. Bank previously held a WBO title, which adds weight to his challenge.
Meanwhile, the middleweight division will see a purse bid to determine the promoter for the showdown between newly upgraded champion Denzel Bentley and mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez. Bentley’s record stands at 22 wins, three losses, and one draw, with 18 knockouts. Since an upset loss to Nathan Heaney, Bentley has improved to 4-0, including a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra in April, which earned him an interim title that was later upgraded. Hernandez remains undefeated with 11 wins, nine by knockout. His recent victory over Francisco Veron showed promise but also revealed some vulnerabilities that Bentley’s power could exploit. Hernandez aims to follow the path of fellow Cuban Osleys Iglesias by capturing a world title.
The WBO’s move to set purse bids for these fights comes as both divisions await definitive title bouts to clarify the championship landscape. Negotiations for Alimkhanuly versus Bank have a 15-day window, after which the purses will be decided by the bid if no agreement is reached. The purse bid for Bentley against Hernandez is scheduled for next week, with details yet to be announced.
These matchups offer significant opportunities for both challengers and reigning champions in competitive weight classes. The official purse bids will determine the promoters and financial terms, solidifying the next steps toward these title fights.
According to Yahoo Sports.