Daniel Jacobs has become a two-time middleweight champion with a win over previously undefeated Sergey Derevyanchenko for the vacant IBF title at Madison Square Garden.
Derevyanchenko rose from a first-round knockdown – which very well could have proved decisive, given the closely-fought nature of the contest – to give Jacobs one of the most competitive fights of his career, winning many of the rounds on sheer work-rate and activity.
Nevertheless, the general consensus was Jacobs took advantage of his speed and size down the stretch to frustrate Derevynachenko, landing with some punishing counterpunches and wobbling his Ukrainian counterpart on a number of occassions en route to a split-decision victory, with scorecards of 113-114 and 115-112 (twice).
Derevyanchenko, a former gymmate of Jacobs, fought back ferociously and enjoyed success at several points, but was ultimately unable to produce the killer blow and cut a disconsolate figure at the final bell.
Jacobs, meanwhile, relished in the adulation of a hometown crowd and took the opportunity to issue a challenge to fellow middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
“We absolutely want ‘Canelo’, I think that’s a fight the fans want.”
“This would be a great fight for the fans and now I’ve got this strap, there’s more in the pudding for everyone.
“Let’s make this fight.”
Undefeated southpaw Demetrius Andrade, who claimed the vacant WBO championship with a resounding unanimous points victory over Namibian Walter Kautondokwa last weekend, is also an option for a potential unification fight in the future.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________