The five-year wait for Ukrainian Belinchyk to win the WBO lightweight title is almost over.
On May 18, Belinczyk, 18-0 (9 KOs), will clash with Emmanuel Navarrete for the vacant WBO belt at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. Navarrete, the current super featherweight champion, debuted at 135 after a majority draw. With Robson Conceição last November. Belinczyk defeated Anthony Yigit by unanimous decision in 12 rounds in Wrocław, Poland last August.
35-year-old Ukrainian promoter Alexander Krasyuk said at the WBO tournament last summer: “This is already a small anniversary as it is the fifth year in a row that I have represented Belinchyk here and recommended him for the required position.” I asked Paco. [Valcarcel] To designate him as a fighter who waited as long as possible before taking a shot. He has already defended his WBO International title nine times in a row. ”
Kraszczuk’s five-year annual migration to the Caribbean has paid off, with Belinchyk facing compatriot and K2 stablemate Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the same day. He will be fighting a certain Oleksandr Usyk.
“Oh, that would be great, but sadly I can’t be a part of it,” Kraszczuk explained to BoxingScene. “Unfortunately, it took place in San Diego on the same day as the Usyk-Fury fight.
“This is the first time for Navarrete to fight in this division for a world title. They made him super champion in the super featherweight division, so he automatically earns a shot at the vacant lightweight title. Belinchyk [though] In fact, he really deserved his chance. He had to be very patient to seize this opportunity. He is already in the US making his preparations. We’ll see how good the former Olympic silver medalist is on May 18th. ”
Belinczyk and Navarrete will headline Top Rank Promotions Live on ESPN+.
“I think it’s going to be 12 rounds,” Krasiuk added. “I can see this going far. Navarrete is strong, Mexican. He doesn’t have a reverse gear. It’s going to be a big night for Ukraine.”
