British title challenge holds no fears for Battersea boxer Denzel Bentley

Denzel Bentley has called for a domestic showdown against middleweight rival Mark Heffron.

The Battersea banger steps up in class at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27 when he meets Midlander Kelcie Ball (10-1).

Bentley (10-0, eight stoppages) is happy to be pushed towards Heffron even though his rival has had 24 fights, with the only setback coming against Liam Williams in a British title challenge.

Bentley, 24, said: “I would love the Heffron fight. As long as the promoters are happy let’s make it.

“It will be a great fight. We’d put on something great for the fans and it would test us both.

“Whoever comes out on top moves forward and the loser takes a step back and rebuilds. He is perhaps a level above but if the call came I would take it right now.

“There is no reason why it couldn’t happen. We’re both with Frank Warren and that is a fight I look forward to happening. My team wouldn’t say no.

“Apart from Liam Williams the domestic division is wide open. I don’t even think Liam is a middleweight unless that is where he’s staying.

“If he goes back down to super-welterweight it’s wide open. I look at the list every day and I believe I can beat them all.”

But Bentley isn’t overlooking his next opponent Ball, who on paper will be his toughest test since turning professional in October 2017.

Bentley added: “It’s a step up and he has a good record. Physically I’m in shape, but mentally I know I’m fighting a tougher opponent.

“I will show that these guys with good records go the same way as everybody else. I don’t think he is a bad fighter, but nothing special.

“I want to work through the best in Britain,  but you can’t force people to fight. There is no reward for these guys because I’m just coming up.

“They are not avoiding me, just not considering me. When I do get my hands on a title a lot more will be calling my name.”

PICTURES BY KEITH GILLARD