Former world lightweight champion Denys Berynchik is preparing for his return to the ring after a prolonged absence. On August 29, 2026, the 38-year-old Ukrainian boxer will face British knockout artist Sam Noakes at the renowned O2 Arena in London. The fight will be part of the undercard of the evening's main event — the heavyweight showdown between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. For Berynchik, this will be his first appearance in the ring since February 2025, when he suffered the first loss of his career and lost the WBO world championship title in a bout against American Keishawn Davis.
The Road to the Return: From Losing the Title to the Ring
Following his February 2025 defeat, in which Berynchik lost to Keishawn Davis and dropped the WBO championship belt, the Ukrainian boxer underwent surgery and went through a lengthy rehabilitation. It was precisely this period that caused his extended absence from the ring. Now, more than a year later, Berynchik is back and immediately gets a chance to compete for the WBO International title, which he had previously vacated before his championship fight against Emmanuel Navarrete. Thus, the upcoming bout against Noakes carries not only the status of a return but also a potential title component.
The Opponent: A British Knockout Artist with High Punching Power
Sam Noakes is one of the most dangerous representatives of the British boxing school, specializing in stoppage wins. According to figures cited by Berynchik himself, 79% of the Briton's victories come by knockout, making him an extremely difficult opponent for anyone relying on a distance-control tactic. Noakes last stepped into the ring in June 2026, where he knocked out Mexican Benito Sanchez Garcia in just the second round, confirming his devastating form ahead of the fight with the Ukrainian.
Berynchik's Plan: Outbox and Avoid Getting Caught
On the eve of the fight, Berynchik frankly acknowledged the danger posed by his opponent and shared his tactical plan. "He has 79% of his wins by knockout, so we will be cautious in the early rounds. We will do everything in our power and try to outbox him. And if there is any moment to finish early — we will definitely take it," the Ukrainian boxer stated. The strategy, in essence, boils down to a cautious start, neutralizing the Briton's punching power through distance work, and finding his own moment for an early finish if one presents itself.
Tournament Context and the Stakes of the London Evening
The Berynchik–Noakes bout will be part of a major boxing evening at the O2 Arena, where the headline event is the heavyweight match between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. For Berynchik, stepping into the ring in such a setting is both a demonstration of his form after rehabilitation and a real chance to reclaim the WBO International title, which he had not contested for, having vacated it before his fight with Navarrete. The outcome of the clash with Noakes will largely determine the future trajectory of the Ukrainian's career and his standing in the lightweight division.
