Jermall Charlo Dominates Sergiy Derevyanchenko to Retain WBC Title
Going into this bout, the popular sentiment was that WBC middleweight champion Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (30-0, 22KO) is in a dangerous fight. Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10KO) has been battle-tested in a series of fights, two of which were losses some felt he should have won.
In recent fights, Charlo has not looked great. While he stopped challenger Dennis Hogan attempting a middleweight debut in his last fight, bouts against Brandon Adams and Matt Korobov were lack-luster performances.
However, against Derevyanchenko, he may have looked the best he has in his career!
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE
The size difference is the first noticeable element of the matchup. Charlo looked much bigger after rehydrating and already boasted a three-inch height advantage. Although, the biggest factor was how ridiculousness of the champ’s jab. He completely dominated behind a jab that landed like a straight.
Furthermore, his ability to tame the smaller challenger and evade shots was magnificent. A lot of boxing pundits talked about the speed of Derevyanchenko. However, the champion had no problem pinpointing incoming shots and catching them before they could land.
Derevyanchenko’s trainer, Andre Rozier wanted his fighter to get inside and work the body. But Charlo’s pedigree kept it near impossible for his foe to have much success executing that plan.
In third round, the champion landed a nice right to the temple that staggered his opponent. Derevyanchenko nearly goes down, but takes another big right while regaining his balance. The second right made him do a low squat, but the Ukrainian regained his balance again and held.
Besides the loud thuds from all the jabs, this showed that Derevyanchenko would have trouble taking the power of Charlo!
EYES WIDE SHUT!
By the fifth round, a stiff jab opened a cut over the eye of the challenger. By the seventh, he really looked like a slab of raw meat on a butcher’s counter top! His face bloodied and both his eyes nearly closed by the swelling, Derevyanchenko looked like he may have bitten off more than he could chew!
Given the damage, the Ukrainian knew he had to pour on some kind of pressure. Trying to time when he would come in and being cautious only got him eating sledgehammer jabs, uppercuts and right-hands all night! Now is the time to let it all hang out!
ALLOWING FOR A COMEBACK
There were moments where Derevyanchenko landed some good shots on the champ and may have won rounds due to work-rate.
Furthermore, Charlo at times would actually let his opponent in, attempting to land another big shot while looking for the knockout. In these instances like in round ten, the champion would get caught with shots he otherwise could of avoided.
Even with his left eye completely closed in the championship rounds, Derevyanchenko made a case as the winner of those rounds.
Although appearing to steal some rounds late, it was a little too late for the challenger. Charlo banked too many rounds early on and still had a comfortable standing with the scorecards by the final bell.
Deservingly, Charlo would successfully make his second defense of the WBC title. The scorecards read 116-112, 117-111 and 118-110 all to the champion.
3kingsboxing.com scored the fight 116-112 for Charlo as well.
WHO’S NEXT?
Now comes the question. What will Jermall do next. Unify against undefeated WBO champion Demetrius Andrade? Take on IBF champion Gennady Golovkin. Maybe get the opportunity to face WBA Super and Franchise champion Canelo Alvarez? There has even been talks of a move to super middleweight!
RELATED: Demetrius Andrade: “Of Course I’m Willing to Face Jermall Charlo!”
Andrade mentioned immediately after the fight he wanted to be next!
At the end of the day, the choices are endless. There should be no reason Charlo gets over-looked for a huge fight next!
By: EJ Williams
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