Navarrete Seeks Fourth Title Against Berinchyk in Saturday's Lightweight Fight

Emanuel Navarrete will fight this Saturday, looking to retain the vacant WBO lightweight title against undefeated Denys Berinchyk in a 12-round main event on ESPN at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. The event will air live at 11:00 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN+.

Navarrete's Ambitious Leap to Lightweight

Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) will take on #1 WBO Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant 135-lb belt. The 29-year-old Navarrete was able to use his status as the WBO super featherweight champion to get a direct shot at the lightweight title with that organization.

If Navarrete loses, he will likely return to 130 and start defending that belt again. This is Navarrete's tough fight against 2012 Olympic silver medalist Berinchyk.

After moving up to 130 pounds in 2023, Navarrete hasn't looked overly impressive in two of his three bouts at super featherweight. He looked a little overweight and struggled in his battles with Liam Wilson and Robson Conceição.

Now, after a year at super featherweight, Navarrete is moving up to lightweight and taking on a tough fight in the 35-year-old Berinchyk.

It's a dangerous fight for Navarrete, but he may feel the need to move up because he has more opportunities to lead at lightweight than he does at super featherweight.

Navarrete's Weight and Performance Concerns

Also, Navarrete's weight is an issue, as he seems to be getting bigger. It's not clear what Navarrete does between fights to keep his waistline looking toned, but it's understandable why he keeps putting on weight.

Navarrete has two things working in his favor: Berinchyk isn't a spring chicken with a lot of miles on the clock from his rookie stint in Ukraine, and he's not a big puncher, so that should help Navarrete.

If Navarrete wins this fight, he could fight IBF champion Vasily Lomachenko next in the unification bout. If Navarrete loses to Berinchyk, he will likely return to super featherweight.

Undercard Highlight: Santillan vs. Norman Jr.

Also on this Saturday's card is #1 WBO welterweight contender Giovani Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs), fighting Brian Norman Jr (25-0, 19 KOs) in a 12-round contest. Santillan, 32, is coming off a sixth round knockout of Alexis Rocha who was struggling last October in the fight.