Yoenli Hernandez moved closer to a world title fight following his win over Terrell Gausha in March, with the undefeated Cuban now in line for a possible WBO middleweight fight against interim champion Denzel Bentley.
Hernandez (10-0, 9 KOs) made a strong statement March 28 in Las Vegas when he stopped Gausha in the fourth round on the Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman undercard. It was the first stoppage of Gausha’s career and the type of win that quickly changed his position at 160 pounds.
The 28-year-old has since been moved into the mandatory spot for Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) after full WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly was suspended following a positive PED test.
Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) is appealing the suspension, and the WBO has yet to issue a final ruling. If it is overturned or reduced, Janibek could be matched with Bentley first, leaving Hernandez to face the winner. If Bentley meets Hernandez next, Janibek will be next in line after that.
Hernandez is already rated by many observers as the most complete fighter at middleweight, a division that has been severely depleted in recent years and lacks the depth and name value it once had. That reality could affect his long-term plans as much as any title opportunity.
Yoenli recently spoke to boxing scene about the possibility of moving down to 154 pounds, where bigger fights, deeper competition and stronger earning opportunities are available. Champions and top names there include Sebastian Fundora, Xander Zayas and Terence Crawford if he stays in the division.
Middleweight still offers a title route, but junior middleweight may offer the brighter future. Hernandez is in a position to choose which path gives him the most value.
Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Related Boxing News:
Last updated on 2026/04/27 at 17:51
