Derevyvanchenko Has Options
As the clock continues to tick in regards to locating a suitable opponent for WBA super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s (53-1-2, 36 KO’s) standing September 12 fight date, it appears that attentions have turned to Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KO’s). As reported to the Athletic, the Ukrainian boxer has received offers to face both Alvarez and WBC world middleweight champion Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (30-0, 22 KO’s).
DOOR #1 OR DOOR #2?
The last time the #6 WBO, #7 IBF and #1 WBC ranked middleweight was in the ring he came up on the wrong side of a unanimous decision loss versus IBF world middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KO’s). It was his second attempt at a world championship; the first came against Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (36-3, 30 KO’s) on October 27, 2018.
The defeat was doubly disappointing given the fact that many thought that Derevyanchenko did more than enough get the nod. Having put the second professional blemish behind him, it looks as if the hands of fortune are shining on him now.
In all honesty, there is a large contingent of boxing enthusiasts who would rather see Canelo take on Charlo. Charlo has expressed his interest in staging the showdown. Alvarez, however, has never placed much public importance in facing the Hit Man.
Obviously, of the two options, Canelo would be the higher profile fight presumably with the higher financial reward. Although, considering the reality of the COVID-19 protocols, there is no telling what financial concession might have to be made. So it will be interesting to see what, if any, fights we get from this trio of boxers.
By: Bakari Simpson
