Ukraine has its second world champion crowned for the day, as Denys Berinchyk bested Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete on Saturday, May 18. The pair battled it out for the vacant WBO lightweight title live on ESPN from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
Berinchyk spoilt Navarrete attempt to become a four-division world champion by split decision. One judge scored the fight 116-112 in favor of the San Juan Zitlaltepec native. Two other judges had 115-113 and 116-112 for the Olympic silver medalist of Krasnodon, Luhansk Oblast.
As a result, unbeaten 35-year-old Denys Berinchyk, who made his U.S. debut, became a new WBO 135-pound champion and improved to 19-0, 9 KOs.
In his post-fight interview, Berinchyk said he wanted to face Sakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis or Raymond Muratalla.
“This is great, my friend. This is great. Great boxing,” Berinchyk said. “Great fight. Navarrete, muchas gracias.”
29-year-old Emanuel Navarrete dropped to 38-2-1, 31 KOs.
“It was something new for me, Navarrete said. “Like I always said, it would be difficult. Denys is a great fighter. He made me struggle a lot. And you saw what happened. But I’m happy with how I fought. I know that I need to improve.”
“I’m not sad. I know it was a test. I needed to do more, but I know that I can do more. So, I congratulate him on his win. I’m happy because I tried things out at 135 pounds, and I know I will be strong at this division.”
Earlier on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine defeated British Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.
Get Navarrete vs Berinchyk full fight card results.