THE RESULT: Ukraine is celebrating another boxing success tonight after Denys Berinchyk beat Emanuel Navarrete by a split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight title. Scores were 115-113, 112-116, 116-112.
KEY MOMENTS: There were very few to write about. This fight was untidy with two styles that didn’t gel. Thankfully, in the final few rounds a fight did break out.
RECORDS: Berinchyk makes it 19 without defeat keeping his unbeaten record intact. Navarrete suffers his first loss in 12 years and drops to 38-2-1 (31).
TALKING POINTS: The main talking point was Navarrete leaving behind super-featherweight to join the gang at lightweight. Tonight was not the ‘Vaquero’ we have been used to seeing over the last two years. Berinchyk nullified the Mexican, staying up close and rarely getting caught by the long arms of Navarrete.
QUOTABLE: With Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson and Vasiliy Lomachenko the other three lightweight world champions Berinchyk was asked who he’d like next. “Maybe Shakur Stevenson, maybe Keyshawn Davis, maybe [Raymond] Muratalla,” he answered.
Navarrete, although disappointed, maintained a respectful attitude and shifted his focus towards personal growth. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the division he entered, as Denys displayed evasive tactics throughout the match. Navarrete expressed his determination to enhance his skills and make significant progress in the future. He firmly believed that continuous improvement would enable him to create an impact in the lightweight category.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Berinchyk could unify against fellow Ukrainian Lomachenko but in a stacked division he won’t be short of top opposition.
Navarrete faces a crucial choice: whether to persist in the lightweight division or revert to super-featherweight, where he currently holds the esteemed title of WBO world champion.
