DANNY Dignum he's thinking of retiring if he doesn't win Denzel Bentley on Saturday evening. Those were the words of the man himself when the pair met today to announce their York Hall clash on Saturday, May 11.
This player, who once fought for the world title, is putting pressure on himself to go forward against his opponent who he has played with many times in the past years.
“We are both good fighters, we are both at a crossroads,” said Dignum. “The winner goes on to great things and the loser, it's good for me, is to retire because I'm not in the reconstruction plans.
“I don't want to stop boxing, I want to continue, so I have to win this fight. I trained hard, but to rebuild anything, I don't want to do that, so I have to win this fight to continue.”
Prior to his world title shot in 2022, Dignum was 14-0-1 mostly at the domestic level. The fight with Janibek Alimkhanuly was a big jump in class and he faced him within two rounds. This battle, though a difficult task, can be largely won if the preparation matches the expectations.
“If I come at night, I believe I can win,” added Dignum (16-1-1, 9 KOs). “Okay, I say it, I have to do it.”
Danny Dignum celebrates his last win at York Hall (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Rejecting the idea of a fight back or a comeback fight, the enemy Denzel Bentley focused on the fact that he participated in the 50-50 competition. Promoter Frank Warren has labeled this as a must-win for Bentley following his losing effort to Nathan Heaney last week. The out-of-sorts Denzel gave his British title to the process.
“Every battle is a battle that must be won. This is not a confidence booster or a fun fight, this is a real fight and after beating Danny, I will feel good,” said Bentley.
Acknowledging that his former sparring partner was an elite novice and a skilled professional, Bentley isn't learning from Dignum's mirror against a regular opponent Alimkhanuly refers to as slipshod. He did much better when he fought Janibek – he lost over 12 rounds – “2 Sharp” is also not buying Danny's talk of retirement.
“That's his problem. I don't sell those things,” said Bentley. “If he wants to retire, good luck. He probably doesn't believe it anymore, and this is a dangerous game to be in. You can't walk in with one foot, walk out with one foot.”
The 18-3-1 (15 KOs) striker from Battersea was asked what is different now compared to the turmoil of Heaney's formation.
“A clear mind,” smiled Bentley, who hopes to bring that level of clarity to York Hall on Saturday evening.
On the bottom card, Ryan Garner meets former British super-featherweight champion Liam Dillon in the 10th round of the WBC International belt.
“I won twice back then I had to fight [Anthony] Cacace. “He was out with an injury, and then I was injured, so let's get the ball back,” Garner said.
A fight with Archie Sharp, who sat next to Garner, has been talked about. There's no beef between the two and it's news to the 14-0 Southampton fighter, but if it all makes sense, get on board.
“This is the first time I've heard of it,” said the “Piranha”.
“Things are discussed behind closed doors, but I've been talking to Archie and we get along. It's a business at the end of the day; boxing. We are just here to support our families first and foremost.”
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