Unbeaten middleweight contender returns to the ring against Dashon Johnson this Saturday night on Showtime in front of a likely large Ukrainian fan-base in his adopted hometown of Brooklyn, New York.
Derevyanchenko vs Johnson Highlights: August 25, 2017
Sergiy Derevyanchenko served notice on the 160-pound division that he is a force with which to reckon following his 12th-round TKO victory over Tureano Johnson in their 160-pound title eliminator in August. After that fight, he stressed that he is ready for anybody.
“The fight with Tureano Johnson was the first time I had a 12-round fight. I saw my mistakes, learned what I have to work on, and that we are headed in the right direction,” he said.
In the meantime Derevyanchenko, a 32-year-old Ukrainian born-Russian, is staying busy. He will meet Dashon Johnson (22-22-3, 7 KOs) in an eight rounder on Saturday’s undercard of the Showtime-televised heavyweight title fight between champion Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz at Barclays Center (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).
“There’s a huge Ukrainian population in Brooklyn, Sergiy has family in Brooklyn, and it’s his first time fighting at home in a meaningful opportunity,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “Of course the waiting period’s wearing on Sergiy, but at the same time, Sergiy knows that he’s the No. 1 guy who has gotta be patient and keep active to be ready for that bigger chance that’s coming.”
Derevyanchenko (11-0, 9 KOs) gained confidence in his ability while sparring 40 rounds with Daniel Jacobs when Jacobs was preparing for the 160-pound title unification fight against Gennady Golovkin last March 18. The two share a trainer in Andre Rozier.
The sparring helped Derevyanchenko score a fifth round TKO victory over Kemahl Russell on March 14. But four days later, Jacobs dropped a close decision to Golovkin.
“Danny’s a well-rounded boxer who gave me a lot of great work, but I’ve reviewed his fight with Golovkin, and my style against Golovkin would be totally different,” said Derevyanchenko.
One day he’d like to see just how that style would match up against Golovkin. Although focused on Johnson, Derevyanchenko concedes to thinking about potential for marquee bouts on the horizon.
“I often imagine myself in the ring with the strongest fighters in my weight during the training process for the opponent whom I will fight,” said Derevyanchenko. “I have plans for those great battles in order to be the winner in the end. I know how to beat all of them.”
in which he finished with an incredible record of 390-20.
A native of Feodosia, Crimea, on Ukraine’s southern coast, Derevyanchenko had a distinguished amateur career with a record of 390-20. He won the gold medal at the European Cadet Championships in 2001 and 2002, and earned the bronze at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships before representing Ukraine at the 2008 Olympics.
Derevyanchenko went 23-1 in the World Series of Boxing, a professional-style competition allowing fighters to maintain amateur eligibility, before turning pro.
Derevyanchenko’s definitive victory was a second-round TKO of former world champion Sam Soliman.
“The Technician” is looking for a similar performance against Johnson, who has suffered losses to 168-pound contenders Jesse Hart and J’Leon Love and former 160-pound champion Peter Quillin.
“On March 3, at Barclays Center, I will enter the ring to put on a spectacular, technical boxing performance,” said Derevyanchenko. “If there is a chance for a knockout, I will certainly take advantage of the opportunity, making sure boxing fans enjoy the experience.”
For a closer look at Sergiy Derevyanchenko, check out his fighter page.
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