Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing continues to expand with the announcement of two more signings yesterday.
It was revealed via social media that they have signed super middleweight Sergiy Derevyanchenko and heavyweight Vladyslav Sirenko, who are both from Ukraine and both read in the USA. Both fighters are signed with American manager Keith Connolly in clear indication that the two signings were inked in unison with each other.
Connolly was instrumental in luring Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing, causing an uproar from previous promoter Eddie Hearn. The influential Connolly has signed other fighters to White’s ambitious boxing project, which includes Edgar Berlanga and IBF super lightweight world champion Richardson Hitchins.
Derevyanchenko (16-6, 11 KOs) joins boxing’s newest powerhouse in the twilight of highly reputable career. The two-time world title challenger comes off an under-the-radar sixth round stoppage victory against journeyman Jeremy Ramos last July. The 40-year-old had previously gone the distance in a unanimous decision loss to Christian Mbilli eleven months earlier. Following a decent amateur career, Derevyanchenko has spent the entirety of his career fighting in North America and is based in New York.
“A new chapter has begun,” Derevyanchenko said on Instagram accompanied by a Zuffa branded poster. “I have many plans to finish unfinished business.”
Sirenko (22-1, 19 KOs), who is also based in New York, comes off a first career defeat at the hand of Solomon Dacres on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last July. The 31-year-old lost a unanimous decision while under contract with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
Sirenko said via Instagram: “I signed a contract with Zuffa Boxing.” He also added, translated from Ukrainian, “this is an ambitious project in the world of professional boxing. Stay tuned for bright fights and sure victories.”
Zuffa and White have been busy recruiting since its launch in January. They have added cruiserweight contenders Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki to their stable over the past week, while announcing a UK debut that will see the pair square off in the main-event over ten rounds.
Zuffa’s first UK show takes place on June 6 with Billam-Smith fighting in his native Bournemouth on the south coast of England. The event will be broadcast on British Sky Sports and Paramount in North America.
