Sergiy Derevyanchenko has demanded a rematch with Jaime Munguia, despite losing via a unanimous decision.
The duo squared off on June 10th, 2023, in a 168 lb bout that was ultimately decided in the 12th round. Prior to the last round, Derevyanchenko was ahead on two of the judges’ scorecards.
The Ukrainian was on course for a major upset, as the 37-year-old rolled back the years as he was on the cusp of beating the undefeated Munguia.
However, a 12th-round knockdown following a body shot ultimately proved to be the difference, leaving Derevyanchenko aggrieved that he was not given the decision.
“I feel good. I feel great. I think it was a close fight. I think I won. I was controlling every round. I won [at least] eight rounds. I want the rematch. I saw he was tired [later in the fight]. But he’s a tough fighter.
“He recovered and came back. I’m not sad, really, because I know I won the fight. I felt that I won because the crowd was cheering for me. I respect that. I fight for the people,” Derevyanchenko
Despite this being the case, Derevyanchenko has fallen short when facing elite competition.
He lost to Daniel Jacobs via a split decision in 2018, followed up by a unanimous-decision defeat to Gennadiy Golovkin a year later.
As for Mungia, he has targeted a bout with undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
The Mexican’s form has been questioned following his defeat to Dmitry Bivol and then his failure to knock out a 40-year-old Golovkin, as well as John Ryder.
Although the pressure is on Canelo to fight David Benavidez next, Mungia could prove to be an option since he is an undefeated Mexican too. And by the looks of it, the latter is keen to get the fight made.
“I think Canelo and I can put on a tremendous Mexican festival. I think it’s a great fight for both of us and the country. We’re going to stay at 168 pounds. I’m ready and willing anytime,” Mungia