At the official weigh-in ceremony in London, Ukrainian boxer Denis Berinchyk made an emotional and symbolic gesture: immediately after stepping on the scales, he unfurled a large Ukrainian flag bearing the inscription "Ми незламні" ("We Are Unbreakable") in front of the audience. On the cloth, adorned with the coat of arms of Ukraine and numerous autographs, this slogan became the main message on the eve of the champion's return to the professional ring. Photos of the ceremony, taken by photographer Lucky Punch, quickly spread across sports publications and became one of the most discussed shots of the evening.
Berinchyk's gesture carried particular weight against the backdrop of his long absence from boxing. According to Sport RBC.UA, the Ukrainian had not stepped into the ring for about 18 months: his previous bout took place in February 2025, when he lost by knockout to Keishawn Davis and was stripped of the WBO world title. Following that defeat, Berinchyk underwent surgery and spent a long time recovering, which made his current return one of the most anticipated in his career.
A Symbolic Message Before the Return
The choice of precisely this slogan on the flag — "Ми незламні" — turned an ordinary weigh-in ritual into a public statement. For a boxer returning from injury and the loss of a world belt, unfurling a flag with this motto became a way to simultaneously declare his readiness to return to form and to stand in support of Ukraine during a difficult time. Given that the bout is taking place in London, before an international audience, the gesture gained additional resonance and was interpreted by observers as a demonstration of resilience and character.
Stakes of the Bout and the Opponent's Profile
Berinchyk's fight with the British Sam Knocks will take place on August 29 at the O2 Arena in London and will be contested in the lightweight division. At stake is the WBO International title, currently held by Knocks. The Briton approaches the fight with a record of 18 wins and 1 loss, with 16 of his victories coming by knockout, making him a dangerous opponent both in the stance and at close range. Berinchyk, for his part, comes into the bout with a record of 19 wins and 1 loss, which confirms his status as one of the strongest boxers in the division and explains why his return is being received as a top-tier event.
Context of the London Boxing Night
The Berinchyk–Knocks fight will be part of a packed card, the main event of which is announced as the bout between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. Thus, the Ukrainian boxer is competing within a major international night, where his undercard title fight for the WBO International belt is receiving significant attention. Previously, Berinchyk had shared his expectations for the upcoming bout, emphasizing that the break and recovery allowed him to return with new goals. The flag unfurled at the weigh-in, bearing the inscription "Ми незламні," became a clear confirmation of the mindset and the support with which he steps into the ring on this day.
