We’ve seen WBC 160-pound champion Jermall Charlo(30-0, 22 KOs) win some big fights in the 154-pound division, including victories over Austin Trout and Julian Williams. On Saturday, Charlo will get his biggest test at middleweight when he battles Sergiy Derevyanchenko(13-2, 10 KOs).
Charlo and his brother, WBC 154-pound champion, Jermell(33-1, 17 KOs), will headline their first pay-per-view(Showtime). Jermell will battle unified 154-pound champion, Jeison Rosario(20-1-1, 14 KOs), in a unification bout.
This is a big night for the Charlo twins, which, according to Jemall, will be a special night for his family.
“People will say that they can’t wait to see us fight again after Saturday,” Jermall Charlo said about him and his brother at a press conference on Wednesday. “We come to fight. We prepared all our life for this. Now is our time. The big dogs are here to stay. We’re veterans in this game, and we love this sport. To make it to this stage, there’s nothing bigger for us. This is our Super Bowl. This is our national championship. It’s time for us to go get our belts.”
Derevyanchenko, who twice fought for belts and lost competitive decisions to Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs, believes those fights have prepared him for this moment against Charlo.
“The green color of the WBC belt suits me,” Derevyanchenko said. “I want that green belt. I’ve fought twice for the title, and I’m more ready than ever for the third time…
“Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs were tough fights, they were both close fights, and I think those experiences definitely helped me. I’ll show it in the ring on Saturday.”
According to Charlo, Derevyanchenko and his team are overlooking him.
“Derevyanchenko is looking past me,” Charlo said. “His trainer and his whole camp, they’re all looking past me. They’re going to find out what they’re in for on Saturday.
“I’m the best in the world. On Saturday night, everyone will get a chance to see it live on SHOWTIME PPV.”
When the fight ends on Saturday night, Derevyanchenko expects to capture Charlo’s WBC title and, eventually, unify the middleweight division.
“This is a big fight,” Derevyanchenko said. “When I win, even more opportunities will open up. I’ll be able to unify and take my career to the next level.”
On paper, this fight is very competitive, and the only thing that would be surprising is if one of these guys wins easily. Will the third time be the charm for Derevyanchenko, or will the undefeated Charlo continue his winning ways? Saturday can’t get here soon enough!
Photo: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
