DENZEL BENTLEY is giving bravery and betting tips to the rest of British boxing with his latest longshot mission.
With Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua topping the list of massive fights fans are NOT getting to see – as stars protect their brands, egos and records – the Battersea middleweight is throwing himself in the deepest end again.
Denzel Bentley challenges for the WBO middleweight title
Denzel Bentley near his home in Battersea, London
On Saturday night the 27-year-old meets the 11st 7lbs boogieman and unbeaten WBO world champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly in Las Vegas.
The Khazak is both an awkward southpaw and a KO artist who has won 8 of his 12 fights via knockout and nobody in the big-money division is calling out the 29-year-old celebrated amateur.
But the 10-1 underdog – who was funding his own boxing career with shelf-stacking shifts at Sainsburys just three years ago – is backing himself, in the gambling goldmine, as always.
“The fact that I am willing to take these sorts of risks is testament to my hard work and character,” he said. “It’s what dreams are made of, I am happy and excited about it.
“Of course I believe I can beat him, 100 per cent. I wouldn’t take the fight if I didn’t think I could win.
“This is a voluntary defence for him, it’s not like I have petitioned or managed my way into this fight and am running scared.
“He is a very good fighter but I think I can pull it off.
“The bookies don’t fancy me but I am always the underdog in big fights, it just means more winnings for the boys who do back me.”
Bentley won the British title in just his third year as a professional but was bludgeoned inside just three rounds in his next fight with Felix Cash in April 2021.
It was a make-or-break moment in the Peacock gym star’s career and sparked a three-win run that helped him regain the British title.
Now Bentley reckons the punishing defeat might have prepared him for this dream world title shot better than any of his 17 wins.
Denzel Bentley and his brother Hayden left in Battersea
“I have always had faith in myself but everyone has their own doubts,” he said. “But that is why I kept taking risks.
“I took the British title fight when I was still a new prospect, then I took the Felix Cash fight and I came up short.
“That was a bad loss and the biggest lesson I took from it was knowing I never want to feel like that again.
“It was not a gruelling close decision, it was a bad loss and I am the first to say it.
“I had to realise this game is not that easy. If I think I am a world-level fighter I cannot be losing like that.
“I always believe I can beat these guys but I just need to take the risks to find out if I am at that level. This fight now is a dream come true.”
Janibek Alimkhanuly and Denzel Bentley ahead of their fight
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for you to learn boxing
It takes about 3 months to learn boxing. It takes 3 months to learn the basics of boxing, including footwork, stance and balance. It’s important that you remember that boxing doesn’t only involve throwing punches. You also need to learn how to block and dodge attacks.
How to throw an emu jab
This guide will show you how to throw a jab.
- Take your step forward with both of your feet.
- Raise your arm above your shoulder.
- Keep your fist in front of your target.
- After hitting your target, swing your arm backwards.
- Repeat steps 1 to 4.
What are the benefits of learning to box?
These are the reasons you need to learn how box.
- It builds confidence. You will be able to confront bullies and other bullies by learning to box.
- It can improve your health. Boxing can help build muscle mass. Muscle mass is what makes you stronger.
- It teaches self defense skills. If you know how to fight, then you will be able to protect your self.
- It helps you develop your mental toughness. Mental toughness is vital when facing difficult situations.
- This gives you an incredible sense of achievement. Once you have learned a technique you’ll feel like you are a real boxer.
- It’s fun! Nothing is better than being punched in the stomach.
- It’s cheap. It only takes a pair if boxing gloves, and a punchingbag.
- It doesn’t require much space
Where should I purchase boxing equipment
There are many online places where you can purchase boxing equipment. Some of these include Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, and Sports Authority. Ross and TJ Maxx, which sell cheap boxing gear are good options.
If you’re looking for quality boxing gear, then you may want to consider buying from reputable brands like Warrior, Golden Glove, and Premier Boxing Champions.
Is it possible to learn boxing?
You can box if you want. Just find a local boxing studio and sign up for a class. Many gyms offer classes for free, but you can also search Google for local boxing clubs.
Equipment such as gloves, mouthpieces, headgear and sparring partners are also required. Once you have all the equipment, you can start practicing your kicks and punches.
What is the average time it takes to become a professional fighter?
To become a professional boxer, it takes dedication and years of hard work. A minimum of 10 hours per week is required to train to become a professional ring fighter.
What is the difference of a left-hook and a right-cross?
A left hook is thrown at the side of the body and a right crossover is thrown at the front.
A left hand hook is one that is thrown with the opponent’s right side facing. The elbow is bent 90° and the wrist is turned 45° toward the opponent.
A right cross is when the opponent’s palm faces the opponent and the elbow straightens. The opponent is facing the wrist.
Statistics
- It is just like normal sparring with a partner, but you want to throw punches at 75% of your normal speed. (wikihow.com)
- You want to be running at roughly 75-80% of your top speed..5 mile slow, easy recovery jog at the end.[6]X Research source 2Mix in long runs, shadow boxing, and short sprints on non-interval days. (wikihow.com)
External Links
en.wikipedia.org
boxandflow.com
How To
How to learn to box to exercise
How to Learn to Box For Exercise
You learn boxing to increase your physical fitness and self-confidence. Boxing is a popular sport. It requires speed, strength, agility, stamina and coordination.
Learning how to box is a great way to get fit and feel good about yourself. You’ll find that you enjoy the activity so much that you’ll want to keep doing it.
There are many boxing training options. Some require you to train at home while others are done in gyms or health clubs. Online courses are available that you can access anywhere in the world.
It is important to find a program that suits your needs and your lifestyle. Exercises that build muscle mass, flexibility, endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and improve overall well-being are the best.
It’s important to decide whether you prefer a beginner-level course or one that is more advanced. Beginner’s programs typically teach fundamental techniques and drills like shadowboxing, sparring and mitt work. Advanced programs cover more complex movements and offer more variety.
Programs for beginners usually last eight weeks and cost less that $100. However, they do not offer guidance on nutrition, weight reduction, injury prevention, or any other aspects of boxing training.
Advanced programs last approximately six months and typically cost $300. They can include nutrition advice, stretching routines, warm up exercises, and instructions on proper technique. Some programs offer resistance training (such lifting weights) as well as aerobic conditioning (such running).
