Unbeaten WBC #1, WBA #2, IBF #3, WBO #3 super middleweight Christian Mbilli (27-0, 23 KOs) and three-time world title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko (15-5, 10 KOs) faced off at the final press conference for their ESPN clash this Saturday at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.
Christian Mbilli: “I hope this opportunity is the final step towards a world title…I want to show that I’m the best. I want to show that I’m the real monster. We’re going to see who has the best conditioning. We’re going to see who has the best boxing. For me, it will be no surprise because I’m the best…I don’t know {if this fight goes 10 rounds}. But I know that if he gives me any opportunity to knock him out, I will knock him out.”
Sergiy Derevyanchenko: “Every fight that I’ve had has helped me get this opportunity. I’m ready for an aggressive fight. I’ve seen him fight. He is strong. He is aggressive. But I’m ready…as soon as I heard about this fight, I decided I was going to sign to fight him because this is the number one guy…my experience is an advantage. It has helped me. And we will see what happens.”
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In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Arslanbek Makhmudov (19-1, 18 KOs) faces Guido Vianello (12-2-1, 10 KOs).
Arslanbek Makhmudov: “I respect my opponents. But I go in there to hunt. It’s nothing personal, but I will make this the baddest night of his life. This is my goal. I’m sorry, but the sport is like that…ever since I started my career, my goal has been to become a champion, and I have to destroy anyone who is against me.”
Guido Vianello: “I’m really happy to be here. I’ve trained a lot. This is my sixth year as a professional. I’m ready. I respect my opponent a lot…my opponent is the perfect guy to make a big step in the heavyweight division. I want to be among the top heavyweights in one year from now. So it’s the perfect time for me.”
I never doubt sergyi and his ability to make a fight and either nearly win or get hosed in the decision. I do not think he wins, but he takes mbilli to the final round which mbilli gets the decision.
Mbilli is such a fun fighter…. All gas, no brakes. He always looks a little rough, but just keeps coming full speed. He reminds me a bit of Joe Calzaghe…. Never stops punching. It’s hard for me to see him losing this one, and in Montreal, he probably gets a wide decision if it goes the distance.
Makhmudov and Vianello is also a fun one.
Correction… fight is in Quebec City. Not too far off when I said Montreal, but still wrong.
Both great cities! Mbilli has looked spectacular ripping through fringe contenders the past few years, but I think he’ll have a much more difficult time with Derevyankchenko. I think Segiy will be able to respond to Mbilli’s relentless assault and be able to answer back. I predict a win, maybe even a late round stoppage for Mbilli, but also think he will be exposed a little bit in this fight. It’s a great test to see where he stands at 168!
These are two great fights. the fact that Mbilli is smallish, like Derynchenko, makes this fight closer. Dery does have boxing skill, and he might be able to utilize them against christian. The heavyweight fight should be very good. I think Vianello takes it.
Good matchups. Makhmudov is easy to beat by any fighter who can jab & hit the body. Vianello has heart but blocks to many punches with his face – If he does not box and move early the crude Makhmudov will smash him. I hope the winner gets Jared “the Real Big baby”.
I’ve always thought Makhmudov and Anderson would be a good fight. Two guys with big upside but enough vulnerabilities to exploit. It’d likely be a firefight while it lasted.