On the excellent ‘Magnificent 7’ Queensberry card at Wembley Arena on Saturday (Dec 7) two British fighters took big steps towards world honours.
Top of the bill was the British middleweight title fight which saw Battersea, London’s Denzel Bentley take the Lord Lonsdale Belt for a third time with a unanimous, but closely fought victory over Brad Pauls.
Despite horrific travelling weather conditions the well-supported ex-champion from Cornwall, England, with his vocal and committed followers was making his first defence of the title and put on a brave effort to retain it.
Bentley, the bigger puncher of the two gave a seasoned performance, working off a strong jab and scoring a late rounds knockdown that sealed the deal. Pauls suffered a fractured left eye socket in the process, but was competitive to the end.
The new champion (21-3-1, 17 KOs), also picked up the European and WBO International titles and secured his position as mandatory challenger for the WBO title. He longs for a second crack at a ‘world’ title.
Also mightily impressive was undefeated lightweight Sam Noakes from Maidstone, Kent, England who defended his British, Commonwealth and WBO International titles at 9st, 9lbs (135lbs). The 27 year old won every round on two cards, dropping one round on another, against 38 year old veteran Ryan Walsh. The fight was competitive and riveting throughout, and gave the world ranked Noakes the opportunity to showcase all his skills. His mixing up of power shots, patient advancement and body punching were particularly impressive.
Noakes was forced to go the distance for only the second time, but dominant throughout. He takes his record to 16-0 (14 KOs) and is perfectly placed to tackle any of the lightweight world belt holders. Denys Berinchyk, the WBO champion, is the most likely target and possibly easiest to negotiate for.
The Maidstone man continues to impress with every outing and if given the chance could be in for a stellar 2025.
The Undisputed 