Battersea middleweight Denzel Bentley gets rematch with Mark Heffron – and it will serve as eliminator for British title shot

Battersea middleweight Denzel Bentley is set to rematch Mark Heffron on November 13.

The British Boxing Board of Control have confirmed the bout, which is on a Queensberry Promotions show, will serve as an eliminator for the British title.

All three judges scored the first contest 95-95.

“The British fans wanted it – so we’ve delivered it” said promoter Frank Warren.

“It was the easiest decision in the world to put these two back in the ring together.

“The response to the first fight was overwhelmingly positive. Fans up and down the country were hailing the fight as the best domestic middleweight scrap in years. With no clear winner, the only thing to do was book an immediate rematch and let these two finally settle the debate once and for all.

“I had the first fight a draw, honestly. Mark was all action and came forward well, but Denzel boxed tremendously, showed great movement and picked his shots intelligently. Denzel scored a big knockdown early, but got hurt himself in the later rounds.

“It’s only right that the fight is an eliminator for the British title. The winner of this will go on and achieve great things.

“This rematch is such a great fight for British boxing fans, and I couldn’t begin to pick a winner. I reckon the bookies are going to struggle to separate them too – it’s the definition of a 50-50 fight.”

Heffron (25-1-1) said: “I’m so pleased that this rematch has been arranged and I’m back in the ring so quick. You will see a sharper Mark Heffron this time. I know I won the first fight, but in this second one I’m planning on leaving no doubt.”

Bentley (13-0-1) said: “Thanks to Frank for getting the rematch on for us straight away and giving me another chance to show the world why I’m the future of this division.”