Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk are finalizing a deal for a May 18 fight in San Diego for the vacant WBO lightweight title. The 135-pound title tilt will headline Top Rank Boxing on ESPN.
Navarrete, with a record of 38-1-1 and 31 KOs, will be aiming for his fourth division title in his lightweight debut. The 29-year-old Mexican has previously held titles at 122, 126, and 130 pounds and is currently ranked as ESPN's No. 1 boxer at 130.
In his last fight in November, Navarrete defended his WBO junior lightweight title with a draw against Robson Conceicao, despite dropping him twice. Now, he looks to claim the title vacated by former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney.
Denys Berinchyk, an undefeated 35-year-old Ukrainian with a record of 18-0 and 9 KOs, will be challenging for his first world title. Berinchyk's recent victories over Yvan Mendy and Anthony Yigit have set the stage for this significant opportunity, although he faces a considerable challenge in Navarrete.
Additionally, welterweight contender Giovani Santillan, hailing from San Diego, will feature in the co-main event. Santillan, aged 32, is coming off a career-best win with a sixth-round knockout of Alexis Rocha in October.
The winner of the WBO interim junior lightweight title fight between Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson on March 29 is likely to be elevated to recognized champion if Navarrete emerges victorious in his upcoming bout.
This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown between two skilled fighters vying for championship glory in the lightweight division.
