This Saturday night – HBO Boxing’s last ever broadcast – Daniel Jacobs has the opportunity to become a two-time middleweight champion with a win over undefeated Ukrainian Sergiy Derevyanchenko at New-York City’s famous Madison Square-Garden.
The two fighters, who have sparred countless rounds, now clash for the vacant IBF middleweight championship which was controversially stripped from previous titleholder Gennady Golovkin in May, following a dispute with the organisation when Vanes Matirosyan was announced as Golovkin’s substitute opponent to replace the then-suspended Canelo Alvarez.
Jacobs and Derevyanchenko share a storied history and for most of their careers even shared a trainer in Brooklyn’s respected Andre Rozier.
Rozier, who lovingly describes Jacobs and Derevyanchenko as like his “son” and “nephew” respectively, was reportedly opposed to this fight taking place, and will no doubt be assuming the role of Jacob’s cornerman with a heavy heart.
Mixed emotions are the watchword, nonetheless, as Uncle Rozier, tasked with orchestrating his nephew’s downfall, is uniquely positioned to offer an insight into Derevyanchenko’s in-ring capabilities and is therefore supremely assured that Jacobs – the vastly more experienced professional and the fighter with whom he has shared a longer relationship – can do the business.
Meanwhile, for the fighters themselves, their competitive instincts and hunger for glory quite clearly supersedes any friendship they may have. At the press conference, smiling wryly, they both just as well admitted that they will have no qualms whatsoever about punching each other’s face in; a thoroughly explosive prospect when taking into consideration that they have stopped 37 of their 46 combined opponents.
While the destructive potential of Derevyanchenko’s fists cannot be called into question, his stamina and skillset – honed by years of success in Ukraine’s amateur programs – is probably why he is deemed one of the middleweight division’s most dangerous contender, and in the eyes of many – including his promoter Lou DiBella – a unified champion in-waiting.
“Miracle man” Jacobs is similarly well-schooled and like his Ukrainian counterpart, packs dynamite in both fists. In recent years, following an inspiring return from a cancer-induced hiatus, the former WBO middleweight champion has developed into an increasingly well-rounded fighter, as evidenced by his recent performances, including his impressive showing against Gennady Golovkin eighteen months ago.
However, Derevyanchenko has been emanating a distinct confidence in his approach to this fight, something which is made all the more significant when taking into account the two fighters’ familiarity with one another.
Ultimately, Despite Jacob’s obvious athleticism, skills and toughness, it does seem that it is Derevyanchenko’s time, and expect the Ukrainian to make a statement by pummelling Jacobs into submission, somewhere around the middle rounds.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________