Daniel Jacobs vs Sergiy Derevyancheko
Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs and Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyancheko collide this Saturday, October 27 for the vacant IBF Middleweight title. The fight will broadcast on HBO and take place at the famed Madison Square Garden Theater, in New York.
At the tail-end of his HBO contract, Daniel Jacobs has a daunting task in front of him; beat Sergiy Derevyancheko. The match-up produces an interesting dynamic as both competitors are gym mates. At one time, they even shared the same trainer. The fighters have also sparred over three hundred rounds with one another. Without question, familiarity is an understatement in this fight. Boxing, however, is a sport that calls upon its combatants to continuously prove themselves. It cares not about friendship or conviviality. It has a short memory and a ferocious appetite that feeds on entertainment.
Daniel Jacobs (34-2, 29 KOs)
Since being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in May of 2011, the Brooklynite has come into his own. Jacobs has shown just how good he is with scintillating performances against Peter Quillin and former middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin. His ability to switch from orthodox to southpaw, throw combinations, and remain focused under pressure make him very formidable. Going into Saturday’s fight, all cylinders will need to be clicking. His last two performances (against Luis Arias and Maciej Sulecki) produced good battles, but raised some questions as well.
Advice to Jacobs:Take your time, impose your will, and flow with your offense, but don’t get overzealous! The jab is key.
Sergiy Derevyancheko (12-0, 10 KOs)
The most fitting way to describe Sergiy Derevyancheko is by his ring-name; ‘The Technician.’ His style bares similarities to what his countrymen Oleksandr Usky and Vasiliy Lomachenko use to dominate their respective divisions.
Derevyanchenko, 32, turned professional in 2014 after an extensive amateur career that. There, he tallied three hundred ninety victories and twenty losses. During that period, he also won multiple amateur championships. Although a small sample size, the Ukrainian’s twelve professional victories make him dangerous for any middleweight who crosses his path. In August of 2017, he battered and outclassed Tureano Johnson. The fight showcased each intricate element of his game; the movement, range, and angles were exceptional.
Advice to Derevyancheko: Get in Jacobs’ chest and work.
Outcome: Jacobs by UD. However, the fight will be tough and Derevyanchenko will have his moments.
By: Cessell Robinson
