Navarrete vs. Berinchyk Preview
The vacant WBO lightweight title will be on the line at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California on Saturday May 18. Former three division champion Emanuel Navarrete will battle undefeated Denys Berinchyk.
Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KO) is trying to win a title in his fourth weight class after scoring a majority draw to defend the WBO junior lightweight title in his last fight against Robson Conceicao. He is also the former WBO featherweight and WBO junior featherweight champion. The 29-year-old has already achieved plenty with nine total title defenses, but a win on Saturday will put him in pound for pound status.
The Mexican fighter had to have hand surgery after his last fight but is ready to prove he has recovered and is ready for big fights at 135 pounds. “We've worked hard to get here,” Navarrete said. “We'll be looking for those fights, without a doubt. There is a desire for those high-level fights. I feel like I need that in my career and that last vote of confidence and acceptance. Those fights will give me that. My work speaks for itself. I feel good, calm, strong, and confident.”
Navarrete commented on his last fight. “We know that I have some deficiencies in my last fight. My hand did hurt, and that's a fact, but that's OK,” said Navarrete. “Some things held me back, but it's OK. I am 100 percent now. And I am going to be like before, only a new Vaquero, and a new hand. With a more ferocious mentality, I am going to put myself in the best position at 135 pounds.”
Despite his confidence, Navarrete knows he is in for a tough fight on Saturday. “He's dangerous,” said Navarrete. “He's going to come with a lot of hunger and we are going to have to try and take care of that.”
Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KO) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Anthony Yigit last August. The 35-year-old Ukrainian had an extensive amateur career, winning a silver medal in the 2011 World Championships and silver in the 2012 Olympic games.
Amid his first major title fight, Berinchyk is fighting for more than himself. “[Navarrete] is a strong and experienced opponent,” Berinchyk said. “We are highly motivated and working hard to bring the title to Ukraine. The world can’t forget about our country’s struggle, so our victory in the ring is of great importance not just for my career and Ukrainian boxing, but also for the people of Ukraine. We do our best to make the world stand with Ukraine!”
He is excited to be joining his fellow Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in a title fight on the same night. “It’s the first time in Ukrainian history when two compatriots, two brothers are fighting for the world titles,” he said proudly. “Big day for Ukrainian boxing.”
Berinchyk is grateful for the opportunity to fight for a title. “I’m here and I have a possibility to fight for the world title first of all because of Ukrainian defenders,” clearly appreciative of his fellow Ukrainian’s efforts. “These are the one’s who gave me an opportunity to arrange a safe training camp and prepare myself for the upcoming fight.”
The main card can be seen at 9:00pm ET on ESPN+
