Boxing
Keys to Victory: The points that will decide Sam Noakes vs. Denys Berinchyk
Moses vs Hrgovic: Watch on DAZN PPV - TONIGHT
Sam Noakes is urgently trying to further his career toward another crack at a lightweight world title.
The British fighter faces a stern test in that path tonight when he clashes with former world lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk at London’s O2 Arena, and live and exclusively on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier. The bout serves in chief support to the Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic main event for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
The 29-year-old Noakes (18-1, 16 KOs) lost his chance at claiming the WBO lightweight title by dropping a unanimous decision to Abdullah Mason in their November classic, but successfully began rebuilding via a second-round TKO of Benito Sanchez Garcia this past May. It was the same title that Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) previously lost to Keyshawn Davis via fourth-round knockout in February 2025, before the latter was stripped of the belt for missing weight.
Which fighter will put himself back in line toward 135-pound world title glory? DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory for both men.
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BUY NOW: Watch Itauma vs. Hrgovic exclusively on DAZN PPV & Ultimate Tier
Sam Noakes’ Keys to Victory
Make hard, regular deposits to the body
Against Emanuel Navarrete and even more so in his clash against Keyshawn Davis, Denys Berinchyk had tremendous issues handling body shots. In fact, Davis dropped the Ukrainian with a nasty liver shot in the third round and crumpled him for good the next frame with another body blow.
All this being said, Sam Noakes must make it a conscious point early to gauge if Berinchyk is still susceptible to body shots. Regular, unforgiving deposits to the body from a gritty puncher like Noakes could slow Berinchyk down or stop him altogether, making them vital.
Unleash the right hand
As Noakes is successful in closing the distance with Berinchyk, he ought to unleash the right hand. This could especially be well served after absorbing contact off the clinch as the back-end of a one-two combination.
Press Berinchyk, stay the aggressor
Progressing off the front foot, Noakes mashing the gas pedal will empower the Brit to grind Berinchyk out in cramped quarters behind a steady flow of unrelenting punches. Staying the aggressor with brokered command of the ring real estate will also appeal to judges toward favorable scorecards.
Denys Berinchyk’s Keys to Victory
Protect the body
A concerted effort to attack Denys Berinchyk’s body will force the former lightweight world champion to protect his midsection better than he has been doing his past couple of fights.
This could be achieved by tightening his guard and dropping his elbows just a bit, so they adequately cover his ribs. Anything to attempt to lessen the brunt of these pounding shots is worth a try for Berinchyk.
Keep shots compact, especially counters
As Noakes progresses forward in attempt to suffocate Berinchyk with punching output, the former world champion could offer the apt response by keeping his shots compact and returning fire via stinging counters. Compact counters could be just the retort to earn Noakes’ respect and be the glaring eye candy judges need to grant Berinchyk rounds.
Drive up the volume
Berinchyk is going to be on the back foot often due to Noakes’ incessant pressure. That’s already a deficit. To put himself in a better position, the Ukrainian must drive up his punch totals in thoroughly letting his hands go. After all, a high volume from Berinchyk could spell the difference between the former champ getting back on track and falling short.
Who has the edge in Noakes vs. Berinchyk?
Analysis: DAZN News’ Mark Lelinwalla
Sam Noakes has some pop to his punch. Just ask Adbullah Mason who needed the distance to outdo the British boxer in a hard-fought battle. If Noakes is to place himself back in line for a world title shot, he must run through Denys Berinchyk first. I am tempted to say that Noakes wins on points, but I believe he shows enough punching pressure in bursts to have his hand raised via TKO.
Moses vs. Hrgovic - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Moses Itauma attempt to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday night, only on DAZN.
Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Garcia vs. Benn (Sept 12, UK only) and Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct 31) PPVs with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
