Tremendous middleweight contender Christian Mbilli will go into battle in opposition to former world title challenger Sergey Derevyanchenko at Centre Videotron, Quebec Metropolis, Canada, on Saturday.
Mbilli, rated at No. 1 by The Ring at tremendous middleweight, expects a troublesome battle in opposition to the battle-tested Derevyanchenko.
“There’s little doubt that it will likely be an action-packed battle,” Mbilli (27-0, 23 knockouts) instructed The Ring. “He’s not going to cover or run. We’re each offensive fighters. Each throwing plenty of punches.
“Followers received’t wish to miss this one. There’s going to be plenty of punches exchanged. I’m going to offer him a struggle.”
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old additionally appreciates that there’s extra to Derevyanchenko that merely his bodily power.
“He’s an entire fighter,” acknowledged Mbilli. “Good counter puncher, good protection. He has good boxing and bodily talents. He’s in nice form and at all times leaves every part on the ring.”
And that has been evident in giving the likes of Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo, Carlos Adames and Jaime Munguia extraordinarily robust fights.
Christian Mbilli (left) and Sergey Derevyanchenko (proper) – Picture by Vincent Ethier Vincent Ethier 2024
Whereas he touched down in a few of these fights, not one of the aforementioned males have been capable of cease the sturdy Ukrainian.
“It’s arduous to cease a fighter that’s that strong, and that at all times leaves every part on the ring,” he defined. “You would need to be in terrific form to cease him, which I believe I’m. I’m prepared, bodily and mentally to offer him the hardest battle of his profession.”
A month after the Mbilli-Derevyanchenko throwdown, Ring champion and WBA/WBC/WBO titleholder Canelo Alvarez will face Edgar Berlanga, rated No. 7 by The Ring. It’s a battle the Canadian citizen admits that, ought to all be effectively in opposition to Derevyanchenko, he can have one eye on.
“I hope that I’ll be capable of get a world title shot after this battle,” stated Mbilli.
For now, all Mbilli can do is keep energetic, proceed entertaining and above all successful after which hope that’s sufficient for him to listen to his title referred to as.
Camille Estephan, of Eye of The Tiger, is anticipating fireworks.
“Christian is in super form, wonderful camp up to now,” stated the EOTT President. “Timing is so necessary and we really feel he is able to present the world he’s a respectable menace to all of the crowns at 168.
“Clearly the winner between Mbilli and Derevyanchenko will find yourself in a large battle. We’re sharpening our instruments and August 17 will probably be a cracker.”
Derevyanchenko (15-5, 10 KOs) was a extremely embellished newbie who represented the Ukraine on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and claimed bronze on the World Championships the 12 months earlier than. Since making the transition to the skilled ranks he has scored wins over former titleholder Sam Soliman (TKO 2), contender Tureano Johnson (TKO 12) and former world title challenger Jack Culcay (UD 12).
The 38-year-old is 0-3 in world title fights, nonetheless, dropping razor-thin selections to Jacobs (SD 12) and Golovkin (UD 12), whereas Charlo (UD 12) additionally beat him. He suffered shut loses to Adames (MD 10) and a final spherical knockdown price him a draw in opposition to Munguia (UD 12).
This appears like a high-contact struggle of attrition between two shorter, stocky aggressive fighters. Each males are in some ways mirror photos of one another in that respect and I count on an exciting battle. Nevertheless, Mbilli is the youthful man and more energizing. That could be the distinction.
No person has a simple evening in opposition to Derevyanchenko and this will probably be no completely different however ultimately, I see Mbilli edging issues in a hard-fought, probably battle of the 12 months kind battle, claiming the choice win.
Mbilli-Derevyanchenko, plus undercard bouts, will probably be broadcast on ESPN at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.
Questions and/or feedback could be despatched to Anson at [email protected].
