Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk: Lightweight Title Clash & Santillan’s Homecoming Confirmed

Top Rank has confirmed that Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) will look to become the latest Mexican-born four-weight world champion, when he faces Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) in a lightweight showdown for the vacant WBO belt on May 18 at the Pechanga Arena San Diego, with welterweight hometown hero Giovani Santillan confirmed to face an opponent to be named. The lightweight title fight and the return of Santillan will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk Announced

Emanuel Navarrete Talks Making History vs. Denys Berinchyk

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has spoken on the upcoming event: “The San Diego boxing fans are passionate, and we are thrilled to be bringing Emanuel Navarrete back to Pechanga Arena as he bids to become a four-weight world champion.”

He added: “We are also excited to showcase San Diego’s hometown hero, Giovani Santillan, a wonderful young man who I believe will be a welterweight world champion before long.”

Read More: Emanuel Navarrete Retains By TKO Against Diaz

The Mexican fighter won his first title when he beat Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018 and has been involved in many entertaining fights throughout his career, including a win over Liam Wilson and an entertaining draw against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição.

Navarrete expressed his gratitude regarding the opportunity to win another world title: “Capturing a world title is a unique challenge, but the possibility of doing it four weight classes is a goal that fills me with motivation and gratitude. It will be an honour to join that select group of Mexican warriors who have made their mark in boxing history. And to be able to do it in front of fans in San Diego and from Tijuana will be an unforgettable experience. Feeling their support and energy in the ring will propel me to do my best and secure this victory for Mexico.”

Read More: Emanuel Navarrete Wins Slugfest Against Óscar Valdez

His Ukrainian opponent is undefeated and won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic silver medalist on the same team as Vasiliy Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk. Berinchyk has enjoyed impressive wins against Jose Sanchez, Yvan Mendy and recently Anthony Yigit.

Giovani Santillan

Hometown hero Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs), has enjoyed a steady rise up the welterweight rankings, which saw him most recently brutally defeat Alexis Rocha by a sixth-round KO. Speaking on the upcoming fight, he couldn’t hide his excitement: 

“After my last win, I’m excited to keep the ball rolling. I showed everyone what I could do and earned the WBO No. 1 ranking. I am looking forward to continuing with those types of performances and showing why I deserve a title shot,” Santillan said. “I want to gain more fans in San Diego, grow the fan base in my hometown, and pave the way for other fighters from my city. There hasn’t been a San Diego-born champion in a long time, and I want to be the next one.”