Nathan 'Hitman' Heaney, considered a fringe contender in the middleweight division, shocked the boxing world by securing a victory over Denzel Bentley at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, claiming the British middleweight title. Despite his undefeated record and a WBA ranking at number 14, Heaney was the underdog in the eyes of many. However, the 34-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent showcased his mettle, proving his capability to contend against a higher caliber of opponents than anticipated.
Bentley, known for his formidable skills and ranked WBO number nine and WBC number 12, was expected to dominate the fight. A year ago, Bentley gave WBO middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly a grueling challenge, becoming the first to last 12 rounds with the Kazakh southpaw. The general consensus favored Bentley's experience over Heaney's relative newcomer status. However, Heaney defied expectations by securing enough rounds in the judges' eyes, earning a victory with scores of 116-113, 117-111, and 114-114.
Heaney, elated by his achievement, expressed his joy, saying, "It’s absolutely phenomenal. People always say ‘I dreamt of being a world champion’. I always dreamt of being a British champion. I’ve got to be honest, I never thought I could."
In contrast, Bentley, disheartened by the loss, acknowledged Heaney's seizing of the opportunity. Reflecting on the judges' decision, Bentley remarked, "He had an opportunity and he took it, but I don’t know. Judges saw it how they saw it. I don’t think he really landed anything compared to what I landed on him."
Before the bout, both fighters expressed their strategies and expectations. Bentley aimed for a knockout, but Heaney, acknowledging Bentley's punching power, prepared for any scenario. Heaney highlighted Bentley's punching prowess, recognizing the challenge he faced. However, Heaney's confidence in neutralizing Bentley's strengths through his own ranginess and skill set paid off in the ring.
Heaney's victory marks a significant turn in his career trajectory, elevating his status within the boxing community and positioning him among recognized contenders in the division. With a British middleweight title under his belt and a presence in the sanctioning body rankings, Heaney's aspirations for a world title shot have gained momentum, illustrating that dreams in boxing can indeed materialize.