Luton's Linus or Battersea's Bentley – Who wins and why?
South London’s Denzel “2Sharp” Bentley (15-1-1, 13KOs) looks to reclaim the British Middleweight Title against Luton’s Linus “Lightning” Udofia (17-0, 9 KOs), live and free on Channel 5 on Friday, May 13 from 10pm.
Bentley suffered his first career loss to Felix Cash in 2021, but immediately bounced back with a win later in the year to set up this exciting title bout at the Indigo at the O2 in London. Udofia doesn't possess the same potent power as Cash, but he is an all-rounder, tidy boxer, with good footwork, discipline and quality boxing skills.
The betting odds couldn't be any closer with Udofia at 1/1 and Bentley at 10/11. It's just too close to call! You can visit whichbookie.com where the best bookies are reviewed and ranked.
BBN asked their panel of experts who think wins this fight. Will Bentley be “2Sharp” for Udofia or will “Lightning” strike twice?
Steve Wood, VIP Promotions
"Proper 50/50 fight and great for Boxing to see live on a Channel 5 show.
Not seen much of Linus, so have to go with Bentley, who I expect will have learned a lot from the Felix Cash fight. It seems mad that a loss gives him the edge for me, but believe the experience gained in that fight will help him in this hard fight, but may be widely wrong underestimating Udofia."
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: "I'm a big fan of both boxers and believe this is one of the most evenly-matched, most intruiging, exciting fights for a British title we could possibly see.
Bentley is a former British middleweight champ so he has the upper hand in experience. They have both had the same number of bouts each – 17 – which Linus has won all of, and Denz has experienced a draw and a defeat.
The stoppage loss to Cash will have taught Bentley a great deal. The south Londoner starts fast and sharp. Aganst Cash, he was caught big in the very first minute, so that should teach him to be more on his guard in this next fight. He does like to hang his arms low, lending to his awkward style, but he should have learned to be more defensive after experiencing a stoppage loss.
Udofia won't likely bring the same pressure and power as Cash did, which will alow Bentley a bit of breathing space to work with and to get his shots off.
I think that Bentley's sharp, heavy shots will hurt Udofia and stop him during the middle rounds."
Matt Marsh, Former British Champion
"It's a good matchup for the British title. Only just seen Linus Udofia recently since his last fight on TV, so I don't know a lot about him, but he looks decent.
I'm going to side with Denzel because he has the experience at that level already. Bentley is a big puncher who has already been British champion and been in with the likes of Felix Cash."
Daniel Smith, BBN Writer
"Denzel Bentley suffered a heavy knockout at York Hall the night he fought Felix Cash for the English title. Cash was fierce and nasty throughout their fight, and eventually caught his man in the third with a solid shot to the jaw, followed by four more that bounced against Denzel’s head like a speedbag taking a clobbering.
Seven-months later, of course, and Bentley was back out against Sam Evans where he exorcised his demons with a stoppage in the third round. The psychological impact of Cash’s heavy hands may have been put to bed, and although I feel this fight is a tasty middleweight domestic dust-up, I cannot envision an outcome where Linus Udofia doesn’t get to his man in the mid to late rounds.
Udofia via stoppage in round 9."