Linus Udofia & Denzel Bentley Set For British Middleweight Title Clash On Channel 5

Boxing will make its return to Channel 5 this Friday evening at 10pm with the vacant British Middleweight title on the line as Linus Udofia takes on Denzel Bentley live from Indigo at the O2. The card also features the return of former GB Olympian and one of the sport’s brightest prospects, Josh Kelly plus Harlem Eubank, nephew of legendary middleweight Chris Eubank, Sr. 

Linus ‘Lightning’ Udofia will be looking to maintain his undefeated professional career, as he looks to capture the coveted Lonsdale belt, while Denzel ‘2 Sharp’ Bentley will be aiming to set the record straight after a third round stoppage by Felix Cash cost him the British Middleweight championship 13 months ago, but he’s gotten himself back on track with a third round TKO stoppage of Sam Evans in November of last year.

Linus Udofia

The fight is topping the first card of a new partnership between Channel 5 and Wasserman Boxing, which seeks to bring British boxing back to free-to-air, terrestrial television. Wasserman promoter Kalle Sauerland has high hopes for the partnership, and claims that their first title fight on Channel 5 is a “springboard fight” for the winner of a bout, believing that a world title fight wouldn’t be too far away for whomever’s hand is held aloft at the final bell.

As chief support, Josh Kelly will make his long-awaited ring return after a twelve-month absence as he begins a new chapter in his career with Wasserman Boxing on Channel 5. Having suffered his sole career defeat last bout when challenging David Avanesyan for the European Welterweight Title in February 2021, the Adam Booth trained 28-year-old is itching to get back under the lights and back to the form that saw him heralded as one of British boxing’s most exciting prospects. With World Titles still in his sights, the former Commonwealth and WBA International Welterweight Champion is eager to put on a show and secure a statement win against the London-based Albanian Xhuljo Vrenozi.

Josh Kelly

On the undercard, Harlem Eubank will take on the seasoned Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd in what is sure to be an enthralling encounter. The fight will be the first time many British fans see the Brighton local, and he will be eager to prove that he has what it takes to join his cousin Chris Jr. on the trail to live up to the Eubank family name, following in the footsteps of both his uncle Chris Sr. and his father, Simon, who also laced up professionally.

The broadcast begins at 10pm on Channel 5 Friday May 13th, immediately joining for Kelly vs Vrenozi followed by the main event, with the undercard bouts being shown after the conclusion of Bentley vs Udofia