THE RESULT: Ukraine is celebrating another boxing success tonight after Denys Berinchyk beat Emanuel Navarrte by split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight title. Scores 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.
A disappointed but respectful Navarrete focused on improving for the future. “I came to this division and I knew it was going to be difficult. Denys ran a lot. I have a lot to improve on and that’s what I plan on doing. If I can continue to improve I can make noise at lightweight.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Berinchyk could unify against fellow Ukrainian Lomachenko but in a stacked division he won’t be short of top opposition.
Navarrete must decide to continue at lightweight or move back down to super-featherweight where he remains WBO world champion.