Andre Rozier: We’ll Be Ready for Canelo
In the sport of boxing, the greater majority of deal cutting and financial finagling takes place well away from the sight of the public. So, in unsurprising fashion, there are currently industry rumblings that Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KO’s) could be the next to face WBA world middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO’s).
If the bout actually materializes, Derevyanchenko’s chief second, Andre Rozier, has total faith that his charge has what it takes to defeat the popular Mexican fighter. While he would not confirm or deny that the two were going to fight, Rozier was explicitly clear that The Technician would be ready, as he told Ab Boxing News.
WHISPERS IN THE DARK
Despite his two losses, Derevyanchenko has an impressive skillset that must be respected by all those in the division. Of his two losses, the Technician gave former world middleweight champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (36-3, 30 KO’s) all he could handle in that split decision loss.
And many believe that Derevyanchenko was flat out robbed by the judges in his loss to IBF world middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KO’s). Even with the two losses, Derevyanchenko is ranked #1 WBC, #6 WBO and #7 IBF. Armed with his talents, leveled-headed approach, and experience, Rozier would put the Technician in with anyone.
“There’s definitely whispers taking place about it. Sergiy the Technician, aka the Latin accent at the end of it, Technician. Derevyanchenko, one of the nicest young men walking the planet. One of the most talented middleweights, super middleweights; a joy to be a part of in any forum, especially this form of boxing. He always seems to get the short end of the stick.”
“In a career that is not very long per se in the professional realm, but he had an extensive amateur career and he deserves everything he gets. I thought we beat GGG and we were shortchanged on that. So I am looking at this, if it does happen, I know he’ll give everything he has to to win. And we are going to be prepared for the very best Canelo, if it should take place, in the world.”
SECOND OPPORTUNITY
Provided they do get the nod, Rozier might be just as giddy as Derevyanchenko. This is because the savvy trainer would love to have an opportunity to get some payback on Alvarez. Back on May 4, 2019, Canelo soundly defeated Rozier’s former prized pupil Daniel Jacobs, which has left the trainer a bit salty ever since.
Yet, armed with that previous experience, and guiding such a gifted boxer as the Technician, Rozier is certain that the second time would be charm.
“I think that regardless of the fact, we’ll be ready to do what we needs to do. He is a consummate professional, he doesn’t need much to do what he needs to do and he is going to be that man. I don’t know the parameters yet, what would be the issue and what, if any, title is on the line.”
“But, we will be prepared if the opportunity arises and makes itself apparent…this will be the chance that I need, because the first time was not that chance. Too many issues, too many distractions, it just was not good. With Sergiy, it’s always good.”
NO STIPULATION SHALL PROSPER
Rozier is so confident in his fighter that he is not even worried about going to the negotiation table with Alvarez. Even though he is well aware of fact that Canelo generally enjoys very favorable stipulations, Rozier doesn’t feel as he can use the contract to leverage an in-ring advantage.
“Well the thing is if it’s just the regular title, we won’t have to deal with restrictions. It’s going to be fair money, let’s get it on. They’re basically about the same in stature, so I think it’s an equal conclusion. There’s neutral ground, let’s do it!”
By: Bakari Simpson
