Sam Noakes Faces Denys Berinchyk August 29 After Title Loss

The former WBO lightweight champion gives Noakes an immediate chance to rebuild his position on the Moses Itauma-Filip Hrgovic undercard

Sam Noakes will face former WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk on August 29 after Queensberry confirmed the contender-level matchup for its London card. The fight gives Noakes an immediate chance to rebuild his lightweight title ambitions following last year’s loss to Abdullah Mason.

The bout gives Noakes (18-1, 16 KOs) an immediate opportunity to rebuild after suffering the first defeat of his professional career last November, when he lost a competitive fight to Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight title. The 28-year-old returned with a routine victory over a journeyman Benito Sanchez Garcia in May, but Berinchyk represents a significant step back into contender-level competition.

Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) has not fought since February 2025, when Keyshawn Davis stopped him to capture the WBO lightweight title. That defeat remains the lone loss of the 38-year-old Ukrainian’s career, though his lengthy layoff and advancing age raise questions about what he has left.

The matchup for the UK-born Noakes offers a chance to prove he still belongs among the leading contenders at 135 pounds. Although Berinchyk is no longer the champion he once was, his experience against elite opposition makes him a recognizable name and a credible measuring stick for a fighter looking to work his way back into the world-title picture.

The August 29 card is topped by the heavyweight showdown between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. Also announced for the event, unbeaten British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Constantin Ursu will defend his domestic titles against Ben Vaughan, while cruiserweights Aloys Junior and veteran Mike Perez meet in another notable undercard bout.

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