WBO Orders Yoenli Hernández and Michael Zerafa to Negotiate Vacant Title Fight

The WBO has ordered Yoenli Hernández and Michael Zerafa to negotiate a fight for its vacant middleweight title following the removal of Denzel Bentley as champion.

The fighters have 20 days to reach an agreement before a purse bid is scheduled, according to BoxingScene’s report of Monday’s announcement. The order does not establish a fight date, venue or completed promotional agreement.

Bentley had sought permission for a voluntary defense against Shane Mosley Jr. The WBO rejected that request on the grounds that a mandatory defense was overdue, while Bentley proceeded with the Mosley bout.

Hernández, 11–0 with nine knockouts, occupies the organization’s top contender position after two victories this year, including an August majority decision over Francisco Veron.

Zerafa, 32–5 with 20 knockouts, received the assignment after other ranked contenders were unavailable or committed elsewhere. He previously challenged for a WBA title in 2024.

The negotiation period is the next step toward filling the WBO vacancy. A purse bid would determine promotional rights if the camps do not agree terms within the ordered window.