Miguel Berchelt-Jeremiah Nakathila Debuts In Lightweight Division In March

Miguel Berchelt is making his return.

Berchelt (38-2, 34 KOs) is debuting in the lightweight division against Jeremiah Nakathila (22-2, 18 KOs) in a main event on March 26. Mario Abraham, who co-promotes Berchelt, previously told FIGHT SPORTS that the hunger in Berchelt has returned.

“The hunger that I saw in [Berchelt]… Even though the lightweight division is very hard with a lot of names, I think he can be at the top of boxing again,” Abraham said.

Berchelt, of Mexico, has not fought since a shocking knockout loss to Oscar Valdez in February of 2021. The loss ended his long WBC junior lightweight title reign, which lasted over four years with six successful defenses.

Abraham said Berchelt needed rest after the loss. Then came the pandemic and the boxer testing positive for Covid-19, which further delayed his return.

But now the former champion has recovered and has been training in Las Vegas.

Nakathila will also be debuting in the lightweight division after competing at junior lightweight for a majority of his near 10-year career. He is 1-1 in his last two fights, recently defeating Ndodana Ncube via TKO. Prior to that, he dropped the WBO interim world super featherweight title to Shakur Stevenson via unanimous decision.

The fight will be streamed on an ESPN platform from a venue to be determined.