An unexpected world title rematch is in the works between WBO world middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly & Denzel Bentley, the current British middleweight world champion.
Declan Taylor of Boxingscene.com has reported that Queensberry promotions have reached out to Top Rank, who promote Janibek and are exploring a rematch opportunity speculated to take place in the Autumn. Queensberry and Top Rank have had a healthy working relationship over the years, and both promotional entities represent WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Janibek & Bentley came to blows in November last year, and despite Bentley putting in a competitive showing for which he was praised for stepping up to world level, he would ultimately lose via majority decision.
Bentley returned to the ring after the Janibek defeat with a showreel knockout of Kieran Smith inside the opening minute back in April.
Janibek, who has held the WBO title since 2022 after being elevated from interim champion status, defended his title for the second time in May with a second-round stoppage of Steven Butler in Stockton, California.
The BBBofC recently ordered that Bentley defend his British title against rising star and promotional stablemate Hamzah Sheeraz. However, the report, which Boxingscene.com first published, suggests that Bentley may vacate the title so Sheeraz can explore the opportunity to fight for the highest domestic honour in British boxing.
If a deal can be agreed upon that Janibek & Bentley can rematch each other, it is likely that Sheeraz will be written into the contract to ensure he gets the first opportunity to face the winner.
