Krassyuk: "I Don't Think Navarrete Sees Berinchyk as an Easy Opponent"

Alexander Krasyuk, head of K2 Promotions and CBDO at RTFight, commented on the upcoming WBO lightweight title fight (up to 61.2 kg) between Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) and Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs).

- If Devin Haney had remained champion, perhaps Navarrete would not have considered moving up to fight him, but he is moving up to fight Berinchyk. Do you think Denys looks like an easy opponent in Navarrete's eyes?

- I disagree with the framing of the question. It could be said that if Haney had remained champion, or if Lomachenko had not stayed as champion or contender for so long, then Denys would have been fighting for the world champion title 4-5 years ago. But it is what it is. Navarrete is moving up not because Devin Haney moved to a higher weight class, but because Navarrete is the WBO 'super champion' in his category and aims to gain the title in the higher weight class. Since the title is vacant, Denys Berinchyk, being the highest-ranked available opponent and a mandatory contender, is more than deserving of this fight. Thus, this bout is happening. We had no disputes about the opponent, the fight has been accepted, and preparations have continued since January.

I don't think Navarrete considers Berinchyk an easy opponent. Otherwise, he wouldn't be a world champion if he underestimated fighters of Denys Berinchyk's caliber.

Denys Berinchyk, an Olympic silver medalist, has been at the top of the world rankings for over five years. Therefore, after reviewing Denys's fights, it's very unlikely that Navarrete sees him as just anybody. Likewise, Denys takes his opponent's achievements seriously. That's why this fight is so interesting.

The bout for the vacant WBO lightweight title between Denys Berinchyk and Emanuel Navarrete will take place on May 18 in San Diego, USA.