Derevyanchenko – Munguia. Chance for the last “big dance” for the Ukrainian

Early morning June 11 ex-middleweight title contender Sergey Derevyanchenko will enter the ring against promising Mexican Jaime Munguia. The fight in California, given the age of the Ukrainian, is his last attempt, in case of victory, to get another title fight at the end of his career. Defeat – will finally send to the category of honored veterans, whose destiny, at best, is to check young prospects. We explain why.

AGE

Derevyanchenko is already 37, and he is the oldest boxer in the TOP-15 of the division – yes, Sergey is still there and even in the top ten, ranking eighth in the ranking of the authoritative specialized portal BoxRec. John Ryder is 34, Demetrius Andrade is 35, Saul Alvarez is 32. The rest are 30 and younger. Moreover, Munguia is only 26. Given the frequency of Derevyanchenko’s recent fights, albeit for various reasons – four fights in 34 months, his future prospects in case of defeat do not look bright.

The current, almost annual downtime for a Ukrainian is also very alarming: it seems that there is more time to recover and prepare for battles, but reflexes are lost faster and are restored more slowly. The example of the Ukrainian’s last fight with Conley, modest as his level, is indicative.

STATUS

As we said above, Derevyanchenko is among the best middleweight fighters. He lost only to stars or top boxers – Jacobs, Golovkin, Charlo, Adames. In all fights, he could count on more if the judges were less favorable to his rivals. But there is another point: not only boxing, shown by the Ukrainian in battles against the above-mentioned opponents, allowed him not only to declare himself, but also to remain in the top of the division, but also the status of his rivals.

In the event of a defeat by Munguia, who, by the way, is higher than Derevyanchenko in the ratings, this may not happen. With all due respect to the Mexican, he has not yet had rivals of the Ukrainian level. And if he wins, then the question will already arise about the current form, condition and readiness of Derevyanchenko – the peak Sergey of this opponent, I think, would have passed without extra effort.

RIVAL

Munguia is considered by many, if not as the heir to one of the best Mexican boxers in history – Saul Alvarez, then as his competitor. Now it is being handled very competently, and an incredible record – 41 wins in 41 fights – is typical for Mexican boxers who gain statistics in fights against frank sacks. Actually, the fight with Derevyanchenko is Munguia’s step towards the duel with Alvarez, promising big money and even more fame.

Jaime is young, ambitious, in his corner is the legendary Eric Morales (in fact, his invitation to the Munguia team also logically fits into the promotion of a future star), he is hungry for fame and success. The Mexican was a junior middleweight champion, but he does not look so confident in super middleweight, although he won seven victories, six of which were ahead of schedule. There is no doubt that in the battle the judges will be on the side of the Mexican. If so, Derevyanchenko needs to win either very confidently or ahead of schedule. And this may cause problems – look at the first point.

EXPECTATIONS

On the one hand, by agreeing to fight with Mungiya, Derevyanchenko got almost carte blanche. The fight should be good in terms of fees, attention and prospects. Plus, the WBC Silver title, which gives the status of an official contender for a full-fledged championship belt.

On the other hand, Sergei really put a lot on the line. Yes, perhaps, given the above arguments, he would never have waited for a championship or just any significant fight. But, we repeat, defeat, and even more so early or devastating, can put an end to the ambitions of a Ukrainian. Not to mention the prospects.

FORECASTS

Derevyanchenko will start the fight in the status of an open underdog. He is inferior to Munguia in speed, perhaps in punching power and endurance – you can’t deceive age. Yes, perhaps in terms of boxing skills, the Mexican does not surpass Sergey, but he is definitely not inferior to him. And if so, it remains to hope for experience and will. Derevyanchenko never had any problems with this.