RUMOR Bentley reportedly to be stripped of WBO belt; Zerafa to face Hernandez

A WBO middleweight title that Denzel Bentley is reportedly about to lose could also reshape Chris Eubank Jr's comeback plans. According to a post on X reported by Combat Sports UK, Michael Zerafa is expected to fight No. 1 contender Yoenli Hernandez for the vacant belt. Neither the WBO nor the fighters have confirmed it.

The same post gave a picture of the rest of the rankings. Hernandez is No. 1 and Zerafa No. 4. No. 3 Tszyu is said to be fighting Erislandy Lara for the WBA title, while No. 2 Mielnicki is targeting a fight with Xander Zayas in 2027.

Zerafa, a 34-year-old Australian, had been discussed as a possible opponent for Eubank Jr. He is promoted by Eddie Hearn and is known to British fans for his 2018 defeat by Kell Brook. He lost his first world title fight to Lara in March 2024, so this would be a second shot at a world belt.

For Eubank Jr, the timing is awkward. He has been out for a year since losing his November rematch with Conor Benn, having won their first fight on points. He has since recovered from injury, become a father to twins and been seen back in the gym. If Zerafa fights Hernandez, one of the names linked with his return drops away.

Eubank Jr has also mentioned a third fight with Benn. Benn has beaten Regis Prograis since the rematch and lost a welterweight world title fight to Ryan Garcia. Eddie Hearn recently said Benn will retire, fall out with Zuffa Boxing or fight Eubank Jr a third time.

Watch for a WBO announcement on Bentley's status and a date for Zerafa against Hernandez. Until then the report rests on a single post.