DenysBerinchyk

WBO Lightweight World Champion

DENYS BERINCHYK IS the current WBO lightweight champion of the world.

His moment of glory came in May of this year over in San Diego when he defeated Emanuel Navarrete via a split decision.

Berinchyk was fighting for something much more important to him than the European lightweight title when he took on the champion Yvan Mendy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London back in December 2022.

The 36-year-old was fighting to bring a little bit of happiness, a little bit of solace to his people back in Ukraine and to remind the world of the atrocities that continue to be carried out in his homeland.

In many ways Berinchyk is Ukraine boxing's third musketeer when it comes to the Class of 2012 who have made it big in the sport. Of course, people across the globe all know about Vasily Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, both decorated world champions and Olympic gold medallists.

Berinchyk took silver in London and was excited over the prospect of becoming a Euro-star in the same city in what was to be his first fight in England as a professional.

"London is a very special and significant place for me," said the undefeated then WBO International champion, who defeated Mendy over 12 rounds to take the European title from the Frenchman.

The lives of Ukrainian people were turned upside down earlier in the year when the nation was subjected to an illegal invasion by Russia and Berinchyk urges people across the world to not forget the plight of the Ukraine population with the passing of time.

Berinchyk has built a reputation for carrying out some of the most famous ring entrances in boxing, with him having entered in various costumes including Super Mario, Superman, The Hulk and a giant teddy bear.

Transportation has also varied from a motorbike, to a prisoner being escorted by guards, to flying into the arena dressed as superman. While donning the Mario outfit, Berinchyk leapt over mushrooms and entered into battle with shelled creatures before reaching the ring.

Prior to his Navarrete success, his previous ring entrance came in August 2023 over in Poland when he defeated Anthony Yigit over 12 rounds to extend his reign as WBO International lightweight champion.