Denys Berinchyk Wins

Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk Bests Mexico’s Navarrete for WBO Title

By Igor Frank

SAN DIEGO-While the country of Ukraine is being bombed daily and seemingly losing a war, its boxing stars are shining brighter than ever by displaying super human resiliency and determination. Maybe it’s because compared to the war, challenges in the ring seem insignificant. 

After Lomachenko won a lightweight title in Australia a couple weeks ago and Usyk won an undisputed heavyweight title just yesterday in Saudi Arabia, Denys Berinchyk (19-0) arrived in enemy territory in San Diego, California and bested the determined and heavy-handed Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1) to win WBO lightweight world title at Pechanga Arena on Saturday night.

It wasn’t easy but judges awarded Berinchyk a split decision victory. Two judges scored it for the Ukrainian 116-112,115-113, while the third judge scored it for Navarrete 116-112.

“This is great, my friend. This is great boxing,” said Berinchyk after he had his hand raised in the ring.

The Ukrainian soldier came out firing on all cylinders, moving swiftly and peppering his opponent with sharp combinations. His punches didn’t seem to be doing much damage, but they were preventing Navarette from launching his own offense, at least early on in the fight. 

Seemingly out of shape for this heavier weight class and out-of-balance, Navarrette finally got into the fight in the middle rounds and had his opponent in a lot of stress , but the determination of the former Olympian from Ukraine prevailed and he finished the fight strong .

“I am not sad. I know it was a test,” said Navarrete who was attempting to become a four division world champion:” Denys is a great fighter. He made me struggle a lot. I know that I need to improve.”

In conclusion, newly minted lightweight world champion thanked his opponent:

“Great flight. Navarrete, muchas gracias!” Berinchyk shouted.

Welterweights rumble

A co-feature between two undefeated welterweights Brian Norman Jr. (26-0) and hometown favorite Giovani Santillan (32-1) put on a show. Pure violence and sheer brutality had most of the fans on their feet throughout the contest.

Local favorite Santillan pressed the action from the opening bell. He pushed his opponent to the ropes and unleashed furious combinations. It was strength versus strength.

Norman Jr (26-0,20KO’S) seemed to be comfortable, fighting off the ropes and was giving as well as he got and better. He slowly took control of the fight, and began to hurt his opponent on several occasions.

Santillan was game and pressed the action despite heavy return fire, but the writing was on the wall. A violent conclusion in the form of a vicious uppercut came in the 10th stanza. It was a highlight reel knockout that made me worry about the local fighter’s health.

“He was pressing but not hitting,” said Norman Jr after the fight. “I made him miss and made him pay. I like going to other people’s hometown and taking what they have.”