In Atlantic City, Sergiy Derevyanchenko put in an impressive performance against Elvin Ayala. Derevyanchenko (6-0, 4 KO) was touted as the ‘one to watch’ this weekend, and the Middleweight didn’t disappoint. The Russian-born fighter dominated Ayala over the 8 round stretch en route to a Unanimous Decision. Scores came in at 80-71 (twice) and 80-72.
Sergiy Derevyanchenko is a fighter with tremendous strength and solid fundamentals. The pressure fighter kept the pot boiling throughout, forcing his opponent back. In all fairness to Ayala (28-7-1, 12 KO), he proved highly durable, taking Derevyanchenko’s best shots without hitting the deck. The guy held himself well.
Derevyanchenko has arrived, we’ve all had a good look at ‘im, and there’s not much to criticize at this point of his infant career. A few defensive flaws could be ironed out and what not, but on the whole, he has the tools to make a name for himself in the sport.
Derevyanchenko vs Ayala Undercard
Derevyanchenko was just one of four prospects featuring on Friday’s bill. In the co-feature, Middleweight Ievgen Khytrov stopped Nick Brinson (17-4-2, 7 KO) in the 8th round, but will have picked up some detractors in the process. Khytrov (11-0, 10 KO) was out-boxed in the early rounds without question, and as for the stoppage itself, it was controversial.
Following a hard-going 8th round – and brutal 7th – Brinson made the decision to take a knee. It was a strategic move to buy time with just 30 seconds remaining to the bell. But it backfired when the referee opted to halt the fight there and then instead of reading a 10-count. Oops…
But that’s boxing for you. Never short of surprises.
The evening kicked off with Junior Welterweights Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KO) and Amos Cowart (11-1-1, 9 KO). Prograis fought to a Unanimous Decision, and looked very convincing as the versatile fighter capable of mixing it up at range and on the inside. Jabs, combinations, body shots – it was all there.
Cowart had his moments, landing a notable amount of leather himself, but was ultimately beaten by a fired up, better opponent. Scorecards came in at 79-71 and 80-72 (twice).
Let us know your thoughts on the Sergiy Derevyanchenko vs Elvin Ayala card. Prospects to keep a close eye on? Or simply too soon to tell?
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