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DENZEL BENTLEY successfully reclaimed his British middleweight title after delivering a significant blow to Brad Pauls’ eye during a thrilling bout.
The 29-year-old talent from Battersea floored the 31-year-old Newquay boxer in the tenth round, resulting in a swelling that burst above his left cheek.
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The pivotal moment shifted the course of a tightly contested and gripping match, with the judges scoring it 117-110, 116-111, and 115-112.
Bentley reclaimed his former Lonsdale belt, but Pauls also earned commendation for participating in such an impressive battle.
Initially, both fighters approached cautiously, testing each other with tactical jabs, but the excitement grew leading up to the bell.
Bentley’s formidable right hand grazed the champion multiple times before landing a solid hit, prompting Pauls to defend himself.
In retaliation, Pauls unleashed his own combination of powerful punches that connected with Bentley at the bell.
However, Pauls overextended at the start of the second round, resulting in a check left-hook and an uppercut to the nose in return.
The defending champion adjusted himself, landing some effective punches as the round ended.
The crowd electrified the atmosphere, chanting support for both boxers.
Bentley’s jab proved relentless in the third round, yet Pauls exhibited skill and composure in defending against the heavier strikes.
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By the fourth round, Pauls gained confidence, targeting Bentley’s defined body with jabs and connecting with a left hook to the head.
The fifth round showcased Pauls’ prowess, landing sharp shots to Bentley’s midsection and switching to strikes to the head when Bentley lowered his guard.
Although Bentley showed no signs of distress, the judges likely favored Pauls during that round.
Bentley solidified his defense in the sixth, but Pauls continued to press forward, establishing tempo and maintaining pressure.
The seventh round saw both fighters displaying their skills and bravery in offense and defense.
Chants rang through Wembley arena, with “Newquay Bomb” echoing from one side and “Too Sharp” in response.
The eighth and ninth rounds were evenly matched, marked by grit and exceptional quality.
Pauls was shaken in the tenth round, and Bentley capitalized, launching an aggressive attack. Nonetheless, Pauls remained resilient, countering the onslaught smartly.
He then regained his composure and landed several right punches.
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However, Bentley landed several apparently harmless punches, leading to Pauls hitting the canvas and receiving a count. Upon standing, it was clear that his left eye was injured, and Bentley seized the opportunity, launching a barrage of punches until the round concluded.
The immediate swelling hinted at a possible broken eye socket, yet Pauls valiantly carried on into the eleventh, giving his all in yet another remarkable round of British boxing. Still, Bentley now had the upper hand and was poised to reclaim his former title.
In the final round, both warriors delivered an exceptional performance, leaving everything they had in the ring until the final bell.
