Sergey Derevyanchenko is not the opponent Jaime Munguia wants but he could be the best Mexico has ever faced.
Munguia, a 160-pound competitor from Tijuana, has been trying to lure a high-profile competitor into the ring for years. Most recently, he’s targeted 175-pound champion Dmitry Bivol and 160-pound owner Jermall Charlo.
Instead, he’ll take on an opponent known for close-quarters fights with big-name foes on Saturday in Ontario, California (DAZN). Ukrainians have never stopped.
“Derevyanchenko is a brave fighter,” Munguia said through an interpreter. “He is someone who has stepped into the ring and gone far with high-achieving boxers. No one can beat him. …
“I think this match and the win against Derevyanchenko will show everyone that I’m ready for any challenge.”
Munguia (41-0.33 KOs) swears he’s serious about moving up two divisions to face Bivol, who knocked out 168-pound star Canelo Alvarez. That could be a sign of his despair.
A meeting with Charlo would be more realistic, although the fact that the fighters are linked with competing pilots would complicate negotiations.
Munguia and others in a similar situation are hoping that the success of the match between Gervonta Davis (Top Boxing Champion) and Ryan Garcia (Promoted Golden Boy) will open the door for more events. more cross-case.
Munguia is in charge of Golden Boy, Charlo is in charge of PBC.
“We were always going after famous fighters like Golovkin and Charlo and those fights did not materialize due to circumstances beyond our control,” Munguia said. “[Charlo] hasn’t fought for 2 and a half years and is still considered world champion.
“I’m not sure what his plans are going forward, but I’m ready to face him if he wants to get in the ring with me.”
Of course, Munghuia has to get past Derevyanchenko first. And, as other top boxers would tell him, it was no easy task.
Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) was a slick technician and tough when they arrived. That combination allows him to compete almost evenly with Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and Carlos Adames, the first three games being for major titles.
The problem for Derevyanchenko is that he makes the wrong decisions every time, a fate that haunts him.
That’s why he wants to take the referee out of the equation when he’s fighting Munguia. He will be looking for a knockout.
“I will definitely try,” he said through an interpreter. “Like I said, I’ve had a lot of very close skirmishes that I thought were in my favor but weren’t. … Sometimes you win decisively and it’s not enough.
“This time, we’ll see what happens. My goal is to finish the game early.”
Derevyanchenko knows only one thing for sure: Munguia will enter the fight of her life, just like the aforementioned elite boxers.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Derevyanchenko can finally pull through in a big fight. They will also find out if Munguia can take down an opponent with abilities and experience that push him to his limits.
“I am a tough boxer,” Derevyanchenko said. “I think I’m considered one of the best in the department. If [Munguia’s] the team has big plans for him, if they want to make him a superstar, he’s going to have to fight guys like me and win.”
