M'billi vs. Derevyanchenko. The battle of sawed off super middleweights

To me, Mbili although limited is a force of nature at 168lbs. I would favor Canelo over him because i think he would find hole's in Mbili's game. It would still be a hell of a fight though. Derevyanchenko although elite, somehow always loses these crossroads fights in very close fasion. I think this will be a win for Mbili either by ko, or by grueling decision, partly because Derev is coming up for the 2nd time and partly because he has been in many punishing fights and is getting up there in age. Derev is being used as a stepping stone. I would love to see Sergiy win, because he is one of my favorite fighters. Maybe the winner will get a shot at the vacant IBF title, which would be amazing , if Derev pulls it off after so many attemps.

 

If M'billi wins and Canelo wins in September, that is who I would want to see Canelo fight next. Or like you said M'billi could go after the IBF. M'billi is a beast and anyone at SMW would have their hands full with him.

 

Derevchenko is shop worn but he might still have enough to pull this off. Mbilli hasn't fought a Veteran like Chenko before, this fight should be a banger.

 

Yes, but i would like to see a Sergiy upset. If Sergiy beats Mbili, then wins the IBF, then maybe we could see a Canelo vs Derevyanchenko fight.

 

I know you're a Derevyanchenko but like drenlou said, he's shopworn. But I would expect a very competitive fight. The question is can Derevyanchenko outpoint M'billi without getting caught or hurt.

 

I think Mbili might be a little too strong. I don't know how many more times Sergiy can go to the well, as they say, but I'm trying to look at the bright side.

 

I know you're a Derevyanchenko fan but there's good reason to be optimistic. You look at all his losses, besides against Charlo, they've all been close. He's very good at rising to the occasion against top talent, and taking great fighters into deep waters. He could do that here and give Christian a run for his money, but like you said M'billi's strength could be a difference maker. Sergiy does have a good chin it will be interesting to see if he can hold up into the late rounds. While Sergiy does have good all around skills sometimes he can be too easy to hit. I think he'll need to have his his guard up more than usual, he's not the most elusive guy in the world, but if he can be defensively responsible and block big shots and come back with power and combos who knows. It's going to be an interesting fight for sure.

 

Apparently this is a 10 round bout. @m.s. Does a 10 round limit favor Derevyanchenko, increasing his likelihood of surviving and going the distance? Can he win a decision, if fading late has been a problem then 10 rounds could be a benefit to Derevyanchenko. That could be 6 less minutes of M'billi trying to land a big shot late against maybe a tired Sergiy. Do you expect Derevyanchenko to start fast and try to overwhelm Christian with volume early? Does a 10 round limit maybe allow him to be more aggressive and throw more punches? A longer match one would think would naturally favor the much younger man.

 

The Ukrainian needs a shootout or a stoppage here. No way the judges are awarding a close-sh fight to him.

 

M’billi wins, outworks him, Derevyanchenko is passed it.

 

Yep, ESPN, Top rank, is promoting him and its in Canada. Sergiy has to win by alot, to have any hope.

 

I think Mbili is an Olympian as well.

 

Yeah, in the 2016 Mbilli was a member of the French Olympic team competing in the middleweight (75 kgs) division. Won a couple of decisions before losing on points to cuban Arlen Lopez, who would go on to win the gold medal.