The ultimate aim for every boxer is to reach world title status and Ghanaian-born Brit, Denzel Bentley Ntim Mensah hopes to make maximum gains with this opportunity as he challenges WBO World middleweight champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly for his title in Las Vegas.
While this is the biggest chapter in his professional career it is sure to come after some hard work, especially as he is challenging the Kazakhstani reigning champion who is yet to taste defeat in 12 bouts.
His build-up journey has definitely been one of the learning curves and inspiring himself that he is good enough to stand on such a big stage. The two-time Commonwealth Champion hit a reality check when he was knocked out in his first title defence against undefeated Felix Cash in the first quarter of last year. It was the least expected of a potential champion who had gone 15 fights unscathed with only two of the wins coming by points.
“This is every boxer’s dream – to be at the top of the sport and to be the best. And this is what I have decided to do. This is my dream as well. Fighting for a world title, especially in Las Vegas,” Bentley told Joy Sports.
Leading up to the closing moments of preparations for the fight, I am just getting more excited and more focused. I can’t wait to make history and be part of the list of legends and names who have become world champions in the past. Preparations have gone well.”
Bentley seems relaxed and calm ahead of the bout. According to him, preparations have been smooth and he has also had a good time wrapping up at the iconic Mayweather Gym. “They have looked after me well, given me good sparring and treated me well. I am happy with the way things have gone and I can’t wait till fight night. The final few days are getting longer and longer.”
“I can’t wait till fight night to show the world that I’m one of the best in the sport and finally achieve my goal and get hold of a world title and become a world champion,” he concluded.
Denzel Bentley Ntim-Mensah, 27, has gained some considerable experience in his 19 fights. Out of the 17 wins registered, he has ended 16 ahead of time and only recorded a split decision victory over Linus Udofia to annex the British Middleweight title.
For Alimkhanuly, it couldn’t have gotten any better. The 29-year-old champion nicknamed Qazak Style has been in the prominent space in the middleweight division since 2019. The southpaw has also been lethal in his last six bouts and made knockout casualties of his opponents. They include previously undefeated Danny Dignum whom he stopped two rounds into their 12-round WBO title final eliminator in May this year.
In boxing terms, southpaws can sometimes be a handful for their orthodox opponents and this is exactly what the Kazakhstani champion would want to represent for Bentley. Azimkhanuly has a trademark left which he uses effectively depending on whether it is an uppercut or hook opportunity. It has come in handy for the champion in most of his knockout wins.
In terms of inspiration, Bentley has met Africa’s greatest boxer Azumah ‘Zoom Zoom’ Nelson and also draws strength from the fighting style of former WBA welterweight champion Ike Bazooka Quartey who defended his title seven times after winning it.
In the eventual scheme of things, the ring will determine who emerges the champion.
