Never mixed at world level but somehow a win over Derevyanchenko is being viewed as a formality? Also Derevyanchenko is being looked at as being shot. He's given everyone he's fought a tough fight and everyone who's beaten him is better than Mbili. Interesting fight this obviously youth normally has to be favoured especially since they normally get favouritism from officials but I still think this is a bit of a pick 'em.
I agree. This is a big step up for him and the odds are just crazy right now. Sergey even at this age and after all the wars is a truth machine. We will find out what M'billi is tonight.
This is the sort of fight that will show where Mbili actually is,, I'd say his youth and strength overpowers Derevyanchenko at this stage though I expect his savvy will provide some highlights.
He looks pretty good eye-test wise, he fought to a pretty high standard in the ammies, and holds a respectable win over Gongora. He's good and he'll give anybody at 168 problems but yeah he's probably being a little overhyped by some.
I think he's rated right. I don't see many people saying he's close to being the best, but he is a top 5 guy at 168 (with Benevidez and Morrell at 175). He's an exciting fighter, but does get a bit too reckless sometimes. That's probably his biggest weakness... leaving himself open in exchanges. Now he can get away with it against low level opponents, but a guy like Benevidez and Morrell can expose those holes relatively easily.
For me it's a step up in class for Mbili v Derevyanchenko, been in with some good names Derevyanchenko, @ 38 years of age need to think more on this fight.