Event Date: Saturday, May 18
Main Event UK Time: 3 a.m.
Main Event US Time: 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Start Time: 7 p.m. PT
Streaming: Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+
Venue: Pechanga Arena San Diego
Emanuel Navarrete is gunning for a spot in the hall of fame alongside Mexico’s boxing legends by stepping up a division. He’s set to clash with Ukraine’s powerhouse, Denys Berinchyk, for the WBO lightweight title on May 18 at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Joining the ranks of Erik Morales and Canelo Alvarez as a four-weight world champ is the dream.
Also, on the fight night card, San Diego’s very own Giovani Santillan is back in action, taking on a yet-to-be-revealed opponent. Fans in San Diego won’t want to miss this, as the local lad aims to show he’s more than ready for the world stage.
Bob Arum from Top Rank is buzzing about bringing these fights to San Diego. He’s especially keen on showcasing Santillan, a local hero he believes has world championship material written all over him.
Navarrete, with a record that speaks volumes (38-1-1, 31 KOs), first grabbed the world’s attention by dethroning Isaac Dogboe back in 2018. Since then, he’s been unstoppable, conquering multiple divisions. Now at 29, he’s eyeing his fourth weight class title.
He shared his excitement about possibly etching his name alongside Mexico’s finest and the unique vibe fighting in San Diego brings, especially with fans from Tijuana in the mix.
Berinchyk, a machine with an 18-0 streak and a shiny Olympic silver medal, is stepping into the U.S. ring for the first time, hungry for that world title. He’s proven himself over and over, most recently outclassing Anthony Yigit.
Santillan, the local hero with an unbeaten record (32-0, 17 KOs), is riding high off his recent victories. He’s looking to solidify his standing as San Diego’s next big thing in boxing, following in the footsteps of Paul Vaden.
Santillan’s amped up to keep the momentum going, aiming to grow his fanbase in his hometown and prove he’s worthy of a title shot.