Ringwalks approximately 9:00–10:00 PM BST (4:00–5:00 PM ET)
Venue: O2 Arena, Greenwich, London, England
12-round world title bout – Middleweight (160 lbs / 72.6 kg limit)
WBO Interim World Middleweight Title on the line (vacant due to champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s suspension)
Main Card bout on the Derek Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder: 100 card (DAZN / PPV / ESPN)
Fighter Records and Background
Endry “El Chino” Saavedra (Venezuela, 17-1-1, 14 KOs, orthodox, age 34) is the WBO #2-ranked middleweight and current WBO International titleholder. The aggressive puncher from Ciudad Bolivar has built a reputation as a dangerous finisher (82% KO rate) with solid amateur pedigree (Pan American silver medalist). He is making his UK debut in a high-stakes eliminator.
Denzel “2 Sharp” Bentley (Battersea, London, UK, 21-3-1, 17 KOs, orthodox, age 31) is the WBO #1-ranked middleweight, three-time British champion, and current European middleweight titleholder. The local hero is a proven domestic force with elite power (81% KO rate) and has fought at this exact venue multiple times. This is his first world-title opportunity after a frustrating 16-month layoff.
Recent Form
Saavedra (last 5 fights: 4-0-1, 3 KOs):
Apr. 5/6, 2025 – TKO 8 Mikkel Nielsen (won vacant WBO International title)
Oct. 19, 2024 – MD 12 Cesar Mateo Tapia (for vacant IBF International)
Mar. 13, 2024 – KO 2 Roger Guerrero
Oct. 19, 2024 earlier TKO vs. Issac Hardman (WBO Inter-Continental)
Saavedra is on a four-fight unbeaten run with strong finishing ability and has looked sharp on the road.
Bentley (last 5 fights: 3-1-1, 2 KOs – but 3 straight wins entering layoff):
Dec. 7, 2024 – UD 12 Brad Pauls (won British + vacant European titles; Pauls down in Rd 10)
Aug. 17, 2024 – TKO 2 Derrick Osaze (retained WBO International)
May 11, 2024 – TKO 2 Danny Dignum (won vacant WBO International)
Earlier 2024 loss to Nathan Heaney (MD 12)
Bentley enters off a 16-month layoff but is highly motivated and has looked explosive in recent domestic title wins.
Injury Report
No reported injuries for either fighter. Both have completed full training camps without setbacks. Bentley has publicly stated he is “relieved” and fully fit after the long layoff. Saavedra has been active and medically cleared. Weigh-ins are scheduled for April 3 with the standard 160 lb limit.
Fighter Matchups / Styles
Orthodox vs. Orthodox: Mirror-image stances with similar height/reach (Bentley 5’11”, 72–74″ reach; Saavedra 5’9″–5’10”, 188 cm reach). Bentley’s hand speed and body work should give him the edge in exchanges, while Saavedra’s aggressive pressure and one-punch power (especially the right hand) make him dangerous if he can close distance.
Power & Finishing: Both are high-volume finishers (Bentley 81% KO rate, Saavedra 82%). Bentley has superior recent opposition quality and ring IQ; Saavedra relies on volume and forward momentum.
Experience & Age: Bentley has more pro rounds and domestic title experience but the long layoff is a question mark. Saavedra (34) is battle-tested internationally and enters fresher.
Home Advantage: The O2 Arena will be packed and heavily pro-Bentley, which could influence judging in a close fight.
This is a classic “power puncher vs. power puncher” eliminator with world-title implications. Expect early aggression and potential for a stoppage.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between the two. No prior amateur or professional history.
FIGHT ODDS
Endry Saavedra + 175
Denzel Bentley – 250
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026
