Chris Eubank Jr could lose Zerafa to WBO title fight after Conor Benn rematch defeat
Denzel Bentley is set to be stripped of the WBO middleweight title, with Michael Zerafa expected to face No 1 contender Yoenli Hernandez for the vacant belt, according to a post on X.
Michael Zerafa, the Australian discussed as a possible comeback opponent for Chris Eubank Jr, could instead fight for a world title next. According to a post on X, Zerafa is expected to face Yoenli Hernandez for the WBO middleweight title, which Denzel Bentley is set to be stripped of.
The same post listed Hernandez as the No 1 contender and Zerafa at No 4. It said the No 3, Tszyu, will fight Erislandy Lara for the WBA title, and the No 2, Mielnicki, is targeting a fight with Xander Zayas in 2027.
If the Hernandez fight goes ahead, Eubank Jr would lose one of the names linked with his return after a year out of the ring. The Briton last fought in November, when he lost his rematch with Conor Benn after winning their first fight on points. He has since recovered from injury and become a father to twins, and has recently been seen back in the gym.
Eubank Jr has also mentioned a third fight with Benn. Since their rematch, Benn has beaten Regis Prograis and lost a welterweight world title fight to Ryan Garcia.
Zerafa, who is promoted by Eddie Hearn, is known to British fans for his 2018 defeat by Kell Brook. He lost his first world title fight to Lara in March 2024.
Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More Boxing from Combat Sports UK
- Floyd Mayweather claims two men he trusted stole over half a billion dollars
- Dave Allen expects Sheffield fight with Anthony Joshua conqueror Andy Ruiz Jr
- WBO orders Shakur Stevenson to defend 140lb title against Raymond Muratalla next
- Adam Azim reportedly set to face Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela at the Copper Box on December 4
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.