The WBO had previously ordered Bentley to defend against mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, only for the Englishman, following his move to Zuffa Boxing, to request permission to make a voluntary defense against Mosley instead.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri announced on Thursday that Bentley’s appeal had been denied and that, should he wish to retain his title, he must confirm that he is in negotiations to face Hernandez next.

The WBO had already held a purse bid for Bentley-Hernandez, which was won by Hernandez’s promoters with an offer of $200,000.

Days later, Bentley’s signing with Zuffa was announced alongside confirmation of his November 7 contest with Mosley.

Should Bentley proceed with that fight as expected, he will have to do so without his WBO title.

“I'm more than happy to fight Hernandez,” Bentley explained to Sky Sports last month.

“It just makes it a difficult place for me to be in. I don't want to vacate and I don't want to be stripped of my title. But I have to move forward in my career and I cannot wait around for people to make decisions for me.”

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WBO deny Denzel Bentley permission to defend belt against Shane Mosley Jnr