Berinchyk hasn't stepped into the ring since Keyshawn. That was the most difficult fight of his career

In the spring of 2024, Denys Berinchyk captured the world title. The road was long and difficult, but the Olympic silver medalist did what nobody believed in. He came to San Diego, defeated Mexican Emanuel Navarrete there, stopping his long winning streak.

Navarrete hadn't just been winning for a long time. He held a streak of championships and was going for a title in a fourth weight division. It seemed almost nothing was standing in his way – except for the level of the opponent.

A brilliant victory in the title bout turned into his first difficult defense. Keyshawn Davis proved to be too tough an opponent: big, fast, and far too strong. But Berinchyk also had a bunch of problems – an injury during preparation, a change of trainer, and overall a mediocre camp.

After the stoppage loss to the American, Berinchyk has not stepped into the ring.

Noakes bounced back from the loss. But there was nothing impressive about the comeback

In the fall of 2025, Sam Noakes faced American Abdullah Mason. Two previously undefeated boxers delivered a top-tier show. At first, it was terribly difficult for Noakes. But gradually he gave Mason a fight, leveled the contest, and ended it with a close decision loss. He managed to make the American work at full capacity.

Unlike Berinchyk, the Briton bounced back from his loss – and won by knockout. But while Denys is returning straight into a tough fight, Sam fought Benito Sanchez Garcia, who had a 17-19-4 record at the time of the bout.

Now a true test awaits the young Briton. For him, this fight is a great chance to add a world champion's name to his record. Berinchyk is an older boxer without an overly heavy punch. The calculation is that after a win, Sam will be able to climb the rankings immediately. But will he be able to?

Berinchyk brought back his top team. The fight is more intriguing than it seems

Everything is clear with Noakes. He is a young, strong guy. Over 80% stoppage wins, a heavy punch. Character that allowed him to get back into the fight against Mason. Generally good physical conditioning. Is it reasonable to call him the favorite? Of course, yes.

With Berinchyk, it's more interesting. Many English-speaking fans underestimated him as a boxer because of the loss to Keyshawn. They said he was the weakest champion in recent years. But this happened for two reasons: Davis is a genuinely strong boxer, and Berinchyk prepared really poorly. Remove the second factor – and the fight would have turned out completely differently.

Now Denys is training with Yuriy Tkachenko – his first coach and the mentor of Oleksandr Usyk. It was Tkachenko who led Usyk to all three of his undisputed championships. Berinchyk is training in the Carpathians – where he reached the best form of his career and where he prepared for Navarrete. No experiments, just clear, understandable work.

And this is where it gets interesting. Because the brawler from Ukraine in the ring could absorb Noakes' heavy punches. But in top form, he can pose questions to Sam that will have no answers.