Tag: Sergey Derevyanchenko

Weekend Review: Teofimo Lopez is back, Jaime Munguia survives

Weekend Review: Teofimo Lopez proves that he’s back while Jaime Munguia survives the toughest fight of his life.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Teofimo Lopez

No one really knew what to expect from Lopez in his challenge of 140-pound titleholder Josh Taylor on Saturday in New York City. The skill set and athleticism have never been questioned. The problem, it seemed, was that he couldn’t get past the emotional issues he has battled since he took down Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020. Well, he proved against Taylor that he could compartmentalize his out-of-the-ring challenges – whatever they are — and make the most of his immense talent once again, outclassing the unbeaten former undisputed champion to win a unanimous decision, claim a major title in a second division and re-establish himself as a star. The fight was close for a few rounds but it gradually become clear that Lopez was both on his game and simply the better fighter, which is saying something given Taylor’s reputation. Suddenly, after taking down the lineal champion, the troubled young man whose career seemed to be jeopardy is now the man to beat at 140 pounds. If he can keep his head in the game – yes, that’s a big if – it seems clear now that he can accomplish great things.

 

BIGGEST LOSER
Josh Taylor

The pride of Scotland is in serious trouble. His string of victories over elite opponents made him undisputed 140-pound champion, a pound-for-pounder and one of the best ever from his country. And he seemed to be just getting started. Then things began to unravel. He looked ordinary in a split-decision victory over Jack Catterall in February of last year, which could be attributed to difficulty making weight, a nagging leg injury, a bout with COVID and a determined opponent. He didn’t have any excuses on Saturday night. He was simply outclassed by a superior fighter. He complained afterward about the 117-111 card in Lopez’s favor. In my opinion, it was the two 115-113 scores for Lopez that were questionable. The fight wasn’t that close. Now what? Taylor said after his setback that he plans to fight at 147 pounds going forward, which seems to be a natural move. But can you imagine the version of Taylor we saw on Saturday facing the top welterweights? Maybe the move up in weight is all he needs. More likely the fighter who took down the likes of Regis Prograis and Jose Ramirez is gone.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Jaime Munguia

The 26-year-old Mexican star deserves credit even though he struggled to get past 37-year-old veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday in Ontario, California. No one should’ve been surprised that the Ukrainian pushed Munguia to his limits before losing a close, but unanimous decision in a 12-round 168-pound fight. That’s what he does, fight the best in the business on even terms only to come up just short on the scorecards in the end. Munguia was no exception. The former 154-pound titleholder had to dig deeper within himself than at any time in the past to fend off Derevyanchenko’s spirited effort and perform at his best when the fight was in the balance, which champions do. He won both the 11th and 12th rounds on all three scorecards and put Derevyanchenko down with a vicious left to the body in the final frame to turn potential disaster into a victory. He found a way to win the toughest fight of his life, which was impressive by any standard. I’ve never been higher on Munguia.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

You have to feel for Derevyanchenko, who arguably did enough to earn a victory over a rising young star only to fall just short once again. He has now lost close decisions to Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo, Carlos Adames and Munguia. If he wins those fights, he’s a major star. As it is, he’s the unlucky guy who ends up on the wrong end of every disputed decision. Derevyanchenko obviously can still fight at 37. I hope he follows through on his intention to carry on. I still hold out hope that he can win the big one. And I know I’m not alone. … Derevyanchenko reportedly made a decision before the fight that cost him a victory on Saturday. Munguia’s team offered the Ukrainian a substantial amount of money to reduce the fight from 12 to 10 rounds but he declined, evidently believing his conditioning would give him an advantage in the final two frames. Bad move. Derevyanchenko was leading on two cards after 10 rounds and then lost 11 and 12, which gave Munguia the nod. …

Adrien Broner (35-4-1, 24 KOs) dominated Bill Hutchinson (20-3-4, 9 KOs) en route to a near-shutout decision in his comeback fight Friday in Miami but the victory proved nothing given Hutchinson’s obvious limitations. We’ll have to see Broner against a next-level opponent to determine whether the former four-division champion can be a relevant fighter once again. … Flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (20-0, 4 KOs) had no trouble in his defense against Andres Campos (15-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday in London, winning a one-sided decision. An actual challenge could come next. Edwards called out fellow titleholder Bam Rodriguez (18-0, 11 KOs) immediately after his victory and Rodriguez quickly embraced the challenge. Edwards-Rodriguez would be a compelling matchup of superb technicians. I would pick Rodriguez to win because of his edge in punching power but it’s essentially a 50-50 fight between little studs.

[lawrence-related id=37714,37711,37707,37689]

Weekend Review: Teofimo Lopez is back, Jaime Munguia survives

Weekend Review: Teofimo Lopez proves that he’s back while Jaime Munguia survives the toughest fight of his life.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Teofimo Lopez

No one really knew what to expect from Lopez in his challenge of 140-pound titleholder Josh Taylor on Saturday in New York City. The skill set and athleticism have never been questioned. The problem, it seemed, was that he couldn’t get past the emotional issues he has battled since he took down Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020. Well, he proved against Taylor that he could compartmentalize his out-of-the-ring challenges – whatever they are — and make the most of his immense talent once again, outclassing the unbeaten former undisputed champion to win a unanimous decision, claim a major title in a second division and re-establish himself as a star. The fight was close for a few rounds but it gradually become clear that Lopez was both on his game and simply the better fighter, which is saying something given Taylor’s reputation. Suddenly, after taking down the lineal champion, the troubled young man whose career seemed to be jeopardy is now the man to beat at 140 pounds. If he can keep his head in the game – yes, that’s a big if – it seems clear now that he can accomplish great things.

 

BIGGEST LOSER
Josh Taylor

The pride of Scotland is in serious trouble. His string of victories over elite opponents made him undisputed 140-pound champion, a pound-for-pounder and one of the best ever from his country. And he seemed to be just getting started. Then things began to unravel. He looked ordinary in a split-decision victory over Jack Catterall in February of last year, which could be attributed to difficulty making weight, a nagging leg injury, a bout with COVID and a determined opponent. He didn’t have any excuses on Saturday night. He was simply outclassed by a superior fighter. He complained afterward about the 117-111 card in Lopez’s favor. In my opinion, it was the two 115-113 scores for Lopez that were questionable. The fight wasn’t that close. Now what? Taylor said after his setback that he plans to fight at 147 pounds going forward, which seems to be a natural move. But can you imagine the version of Taylor we saw on Saturday facing the top welterweights? Maybe the move up in weight is all he needs. More likely the fighter who took down the likes of Regis Prograis and Jose Ramirez is gone.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Jaime Munguia

The 26-year-old Mexican star deserves credit even though he struggled to get past 37-year-old veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday in Ontario, California. No one should’ve been surprised that the Ukrainian pushed Munguia to his limits before losing a close, but unanimous decision in a 12-round 168-pound fight. That’s what he does, fight the best in the business on even terms only to come up just short on the scorecards in the end. Munguia was no exception. The former 154-pound titleholder had to dig deeper within himself than at any time in the past to fend off Derevyanchenko’s spirited effort and perform at his best when the fight was in the balance, which champions do. He won both the 11th and 12th rounds on all three scorecards and put Derevyanchenko down with a vicious left to the body in the final frame to turn potential disaster into a victory. He found a way to win the toughest fight of his life, which was impressive by any standard. I’ve never been higher on Munguia.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

You have to feel for Derevyanchenko, who arguably did enough to earn a victory over a rising young star only to fall just short once again. He has now lost close decisions to Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo, Carlos Adames and Munguia. If he wins those fights, he’s a major star. As it is, he’s the unlucky guy who ends up on the wrong end of every disputed decision. Derevyanchenko obviously can still fight at 37. I hope he follows through on his intention to carry on. I still hold out hope that he can win the big one. And I know I’m not alone. … Derevyanchenko reportedly made a decision before the fight that cost him a victory on Saturday. Munguia’s team offered the Ukrainian a substantial amount of money to reduce the fight from 12 to 10 rounds but he declined, evidently believing his conditioning would give him an advantage in the final two frames. Bad move. Derevyanchenko was leading on two cards after 10 rounds and then lost 11 and 12, which gave Munguia the nod. …

Adrien Broner (35-4-1, 24 KOs) dominated Bill Hutchinson (20-3-4, 9 KOs) en route to a near-shutout decision in his comeback fight Friday in Miami but the victory proved nothing given Hutchinson’s obvious limitations. We’ll have to see Broner against a next-level opponent to determine whether the former four-division champion can be a relevant fighter once again. … Flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (20-0, 4 KOs) had no trouble in his defense against Andres Campos (15-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday in London, winning a one-sided decision. An actual challenge could come next. Edwards called out fellow titleholder Bam Rodriguez (18-0, 11 KOs) immediately after his victory and Rodriguez quickly embraced the challenge. Edwards-Rodriguez would be a compelling matchup of superb technicians. I would pick Rodriguez to win because of his edge in punching power but it’s essentially a 50-50 fight between little studs.

[lawrence-related id=37714,37711,37707,37689]

Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s decisive, final-round knockdown

Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s decisive, final-round knockdown of Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday in Ontario, California.

Jaime Munguia evidently preserved his perfect record by landing a left to the body that sent Sergey Derevyanchenko to the canvas in the final round of their fight Saturday in Ontario, California.

The official scores were 115-112, 114-113 and 114-113. Had Munguia won the final round 10-9 — instead of 10-8 — the latter two scores would’ve been 114-114, making the decision a majority draw.

Check out the punch below.

[lawrence-related id=37711]

Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s decisive, final-round knockdown

Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s decisive, final-round knockdown of Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday in Ontario, California.

Jaime Munguia evidently preserved his perfect record by landing a left to the body that sent Sergey Derevyanchenko to the canvas in the final round of their fight Saturday in Ontario, California.

The official scores were 115-112, 114-113 and 114-113. Had Munguia won the final round 10-9 — instead of 10-8 — the latter two scores would’ve been 114-114, making the decision a majority draw.

Check out the punch below.

[lawrence-related id=37711]

Jaime Munguia ekes out victory over Sergey Derevyanchenko in entertaining brawl

Jaime Munguia eked out a unanimous decision victory over Sergey Derevyanchenko in an entertaining brawl Saturday in Ontario, California.

Jaime Munguia passed the biggest test of his career but he had to go to hell and back to do it.

The unbeaten Mexican dropped veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko with a body shot in the 12th and final round to clinch a unanimous decision victory in a brutal 168-pound fight Saturday in Ontario, California.

The official scores were 115-112, 114-113 and 114-113. The scoring seems to indicate that the knockdown prevented a draw.

Derevyanchenko (14-5, 10 KOs) has a reputation of giving elite opponents all kinds of problems. Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) was no exception.

The two engaged in a back-and-forth war that was difficult to score, one in which both men took a great deal of punishment. It was anyone’s fight after the 11th round.

Then, in the 12th, came the telling blow. Munguia landed a left to the body that forced his 37-year-old opponent to take a knee and give Munguia a 10-8 round.

The final round will take some of the steam from those who thought Derevyanchenko won the fight but it was as close as it gets.

“I listened to my corner,” Munguia said. “I started looking for the body, looking to be more accurate to the center of the body. And once he went down, I knew I had it.”

Munguia, a former 154-pound titleholder, entered the fight as a 160-pound contender but has said he will stay at 168.

That means he’ll be targeting the likes of Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez, the top super middleweights, although Alvarez seems to have an aversion to fighting fellow Mexicans and Benavidez is aligned with a competing entity.

Unbeaten Edgar Berlanga, who fights on the same platform as Munguia, might be a likely opponent.

Munguia was asked who he wants next.

“All of them,” he said. “Whatever champion is around. I’m ready for everybody.”

Jaime Munguia ekes out victory over Sergey Derevyanchenko in entertaining brawl

Jaime Munguia eked out a unanimous decision victory over Sergey Derevyanchenko in an entertaining brawl Saturday in Ontario, California.

Jaime Munguia passed the biggest test of his career but he had to go to hell and back to do it.

The unbeaten Mexican dropped veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko with a body shot in the 12th and final round to clinch a unanimous decision victory in a brutal 168-pound fight Saturday in Ontario, California.

The official scores were 115-112, 114-113 and 114-113. The scoring seems to indicate that the knockdown prevented a draw.

Derevyanchenko (14-5, 10 KOs) has a reputation of giving elite opponents all kinds of problems. Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) was no exception.

The two engaged in a back-and-forth war that was difficult to score, one in which both men took a great deal of punishment. It was anyone’s fight after the 11th round.

Then, in the 12th, came the telling blow. Munguia landed a left to the body that forced his 37-year-old opponent to take a knee and give Munguia a 10-8 round.

The final round will take some of the steam from those who thought Derevyanchenko won the fight but it was as close as it gets.

“I listened to my corner,” Munguia said. “I started looking for the body, looking to be more accurate to the center of the body. And once he went down, I knew I had it.”

Munguia, a former 154-pound titleholder, entered the fight as a 160-pound contender but has said he will stay at 168.

That means he’ll be targeting the likes of Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez, the top super middleweights, although Alvarez seems to have an aversion to fighting fellow Mexicans and Benavidez is aligned with a competing entity.

Unbeaten Edgar Berlanga, who fights on the same platform as Munguia, might be a likely opponent.

Munguia was asked who he wants next.

“All of them,” he said. “Whatever champion is around. I’m ready for everybody.”

Jaime Munguia vs. Sergey Derevyanchenko: date, time, how to watch, background

Jaime Munguia vs. Sergey Derevyanchenko: date, time, how to watch, background.

Jaime Munguia is expected to face a significant test against veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday night in Southern California.

JAIME MUNGUIA (41-0, 33 KOs) VS. SERGEY DEREVYANCHENKO (14-4, 10 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, June 10
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Toyota Arena, Ontario, California
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Super middleweight (168 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Shane Mosley Jr. vs. D’Mitrius Ballard, middleweights; Mariana Juarez vs. Mayeli Flores, junior featherweights; Ricardo Sandoval vs. Rocco Santomauro, flyweights
  • Prediction: Munguia UD
  • Background: Munguia, the talented 26-year-old from Mexico, has been frustrated in ongoing attempts to lure an elite opponent into the ring. Derevyanchenko might be the closest he has come to doing so. Munguia is a former 154-pound titleholder who is now a Top 5 160-pound contender. He’s a well-schooled boxer with top-tier punching power, which accounts for his 33 knockouts. He has stopped seven of his last eight opponents, including Gonzalo Gaston Coria in a stay-busy fight last November in Guadalajara. The Tijuana resident has victories over Sadam Ali, Liam Smith and Gabriel Rosado. Derevyanchenko is a good, rugged boxer who has performed well against elite opponents. The problem for the 37-year-old Ukrainian is that he has lost his biggest fights, those against Daniel Jacobs and then Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and Carlos Adames in succession. He last fought in July, when he easily outpointed journeyman Joshua Conley. Derevyanchenko is based in Brooklyn.

[lawrence-related id=37679,34252,26537]

Jaime Munguia vs. Sergey Derevyanchenko: date, time, how to watch, background

Jaime Munguia vs. Sergey Derevyanchenko: date, time, how to watch, background.

Jaime Munguia is expected to face a significant test against veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday night in Southern California.

JAIME MUNGUIA (41-0, 33 KOs) VS. SERGEY DEREVYANCHENKO (14-4, 10 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, June 10
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Toyota Arena, Ontario, California
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Super middleweight (168 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Shane Mosley Jr. vs. D’Mitrius Ballard, middleweights; Mariana Juarez vs. Mayeli Flores, junior featherweights; Ricardo Sandoval vs. Rocco Santomauro, flyweights
  • Prediction: Munguia UD
  • Background: Munguia, the talented 26-year-old from Mexico, has been frustrated in ongoing attempts to lure an elite opponent into the ring. Derevyanchenko might be the closest he has come to doing so. Munguia is a former 154-pound titleholder who is now a Top 5 160-pound contender. He’s a well-schooled boxer with top-tier punching power, which accounts for his 33 knockouts. He has stopped seven of his last eight opponents, including Gonzalo Gaston Coria in a stay-busy fight last November in Guadalajara. The Tijuana resident has victories over Sadam Ali, Liam Smith and Gabriel Rosado. Derevyanchenko is a good, rugged boxer who has performed well against elite opponents. The problem for the 37-year-old Ukrainian is that he has lost his biggest fights, those against Daniel Jacobs and then Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and Carlos Adames in succession. He last fought in July, when he easily outpointed journeyman Joshua Conley. Derevyanchenko is based in Brooklyn.

[lawrence-related id=37679,34252,26537]

Jaime Munguia will face major hurdle in Sergey Derevyanchenko

Jaime Munguia will face a major hurdle against Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday in Ontario, California.

Sergey Derevyanchenko wasn’t the opponent Jaime Munguia wanted but he might be the best the Mexican has faced.

Munguia, the 160-pound contender from Tijuana, has been trying to lure a high-profile opponent into the ring for years. Most recently he has targeted 175-pound champion Dmitry Bivol and 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo.

Instead, he’ll take on a fellow contender known for close fights with big-name foes Saturday in Ontario, California (DAZN). The Ukrainian has never been stopped.

“Derevyanchenko is a tough fighter,” Munguia said through a translator. “He is someone who has gone to the ring and gone the distance with high profile fighters. No one has been able to knock him down. …

“I think this fight and a victory against Derevyanchenko will show everyone that I am ready for any challenge.”

Munguia (41-0, 33 KOs) swears he was serous about moving up two divisions to face Bivol, the man who upended 168-pound star Canelo Alvarez. That might be a sign of his desperation.

A meeting with Charlo is more realistic, although the fact the fighters are aligned with competing handlers would make negotiations complicated.

Munguia and others in a similar situation are hoping that the success of the fight between Gervonta Davis (Premier Boxing Champions) and Ryan Garcia (Golden Boy Promotions) will open the door to more crossover events.

Munguia is handled by Golden Boy, Charlo by PBC.

“We have always pursued high profile fighters like Golovkin and Charlo and those fights haven’t materialized due to circumstances that are out of our control,” Munguia said. “[Charlo] hasn’t fought in 2½ years and is still considered the world champion.

“I am not sure what his plan is moving forward, but I am ready to face him if he wants to get in the ring with me.”

Of course, Munghuia must get past Derevyanchenko first. And, as other top fighters would tell him, that’s no easy task.

Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) is a polished technician and tough as they come. That combination allowed him to compete on roughly even terms with Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and Carlos Adames, the first three fights being for major titles.

The problem for Derevyanchenko is that he ended up on the wrong end of close decisions each time, a fate that has haunted him.

That’s why he’d like to take the judges out of the equation when he fights Munguia. He will be seeking a knockout.

“I’m definitely going to try,” he said through a translator. “As I’ve said, I’ve had many very close fights I thought went in my favor but didn’t go that way. … Sometimes you win definitively and it isn’t enough.

“This time, we’ll see what happens. My goal is to end the fight early.”

Derevyanchenko knows only thing with certainty: Munguia is in for the fight of his life, just as the aforementioned elite boxers were.

Fans will be watching closely to see whether Derevyanchenko can finally get over the hump in a big fight. They’ll also learn whether Munguia can take down an opponent with the ability and experience to push him to his limits.

“I’m a tough fighter,” Derevyanchenko said. “I think I’m regarded as one of the best in the division. If [Munguia’s] team has big plans for him, if they want to make him a superstar, he’s going to have to fight people like me and win.”

[lawrence-related id=34252,30846,26537,14165]

Jaime Munguia will face major hurdle in Sergey Derevyanchenko

Jaime Munguia will face a major hurdle against Sergey Derevyanchenko on Saturday in Ontario, California.

Sergey Derevyanchenko wasn’t the opponent Jaime Munguia wanted but he might be the best the Mexican has faced.

Munguia, the 160-pound contender from Tijuana, has been trying to lure a high-profile opponent into the ring for years. Most recently he has targeted 175-pound champion Dmitry Bivol and 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo.

Instead, he’ll take on a fellow contender known for close fights with big-name foes Saturday in Ontario, California (DAZN). The Ukrainian has never been stopped.

“Derevyanchenko is a tough fighter,” Munguia said through a translator. “He is someone who has gone to the ring and gone the distance with high profile fighters. No one has been able to knock him down. …

“I think this fight and a victory against Derevyanchenko will show everyone that I am ready for any challenge.”

Munguia (41-0, 33 KOs) swears he was serous about moving up two divisions to face Bivol, the man who upended 168-pound star Canelo Alvarez. That might be a sign of his desperation.

A meeting with Charlo is more realistic, although the fact the fighters are aligned with competing handlers would make negotiations complicated.

Munguia and others in a similar situation are hoping that the success of the fight between Gervonta Davis (Premier Boxing Champions) and Ryan Garcia (Golden Boy Promotions) will open the door to more crossover events.

Munguia is handled by Golden Boy, Charlo by PBC.

“We have always pursued high profile fighters like Golovkin and Charlo and those fights haven’t materialized due to circumstances that are out of our control,” Munguia said. “[Charlo] hasn’t fought in 2½ years and is still considered the world champion.

“I am not sure what his plan is moving forward, but I am ready to face him if he wants to get in the ring with me.”

Of course, Munghuia must get past Derevyanchenko first. And, as other top fighters would tell him, that’s no easy task.

Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) is a polished technician and tough as they come. That combination allowed him to compete on roughly even terms with Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and Carlos Adames, the first three fights being for major titles.

The problem for Derevyanchenko is that he ended up on the wrong end of close decisions each time, a fate that has haunted him.

That’s why he’d like to take the judges out of the equation when he fights Munguia. He will be seeking a knockout.

“I’m definitely going to try,” he said through a translator. “As I’ve said, I’ve had many very close fights I thought went in my favor but didn’t go that way. … Sometimes you win definitively and it isn’t enough.

“This time, we’ll see what happens. My goal is to end the fight early.”

Derevyanchenko knows only thing with certainty: Munguia is in for the fight of his life, just as the aforementioned elite boxers were.

Fans will be watching closely to see whether Derevyanchenko can finally get over the hump in a big fight. They’ll also learn whether Munguia can take down an opponent with the ability and experience to push him to his limits.

“I’m a tough fighter,” Derevyanchenko said. “I think I’m regarded as one of the best in the division. If [Munguia’s] team has big plans for him, if they want to make him a superstar, he’s going to have to fight people like me and win.”

[lawrence-related id=34252,30846,26537,14165]