Denzel Bentley

Denzel Bentley was born on January 29, 1995, and competes in the middleweight division. Nicknamed ‘2 Sharp’, the Londoner, with Ghanian roots, fought 17 times as an amateur, winning 13 and losing four. Bentley made his professional debut in October 2017 and signed for Queensberry Promotions after seven fights and seven wins. Bentley is known for his punching power and has proven over the years that a defeat is not a disaster.

Bentley’s first career breakthrough came during the Covid-19 pandemic when he won the British middleweight title inside the BT Sport Studio in Stratford. A 10-round draw with Mark Heffron in September 2020 brought the two fighters together two months later, with the vacant Lonsdale belt up for grabs. Bentley was awarded the title after four rounds when Heffron retired with a swollen eye which was the result of a punch, according to referee Steve Gray.

A rare Queensberry/Matchroom dust-up pitted Bentley against Felix Cash at York Hall in April 2021. A highly-anticipated matchup was over when the ferocity of Cash and his punching stopped Bentley in three rounds.

Just over a year later, Bentley would have the prestigious Lonsdale belt around his waist once again after a back and forth tussle with Linus Udofia on free-to-air TV. A move up to world level against WBO champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly took Bentley to America in November 2022. Bentley acquitted himself well but lost on points to the Kazakh.

Bentley resumed his career again at domestic level, blasting away Kieran Smith with 45 seconds left of the first round. In November 2023, Bentley suffered a shock defeat to Nathan Heaney, ending his second reign as British champion. In 2024, the Londoner got back to winning ways on two occasions, showcasing his power against Danny Dignum and Derrick Osaze, respectively.

Martin Bowers

Bowers, who also manages Bentley, trains his fighter at the Peacock Gym in London. Martin founded the gym with his brother Tony in 1978.