The night at Quebec City’s Videotron Center didn’t deviate from tradition. Like ‘Triple G’, the ‘Hitman’, and Jaime Munguia before him, Christian M’billi emerged victorious. However, like his predecessors, he was unable to secure an early stoppage against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. The two met for the Cameroonian-French fighter’s WBA Continental and International Super Middleweight titles. M’billi, who had dispatched the last three of his opponents early in the bouts, was finally forced to walk the whole distance.

Full credit goes to Christian M’billi for an otherwise dominant performance. But the highlight of the show was the way Sergiy Derevyanchenko fought. The Ukrainian fighter displayed old-school grit and determination, fighting much of the bout with a severe injury to his biceps. His resilience has been widely praised. Boxing insider Rick Glaser also joined, who, while lauding Derevyanchenko, shared an update on his current situation as well.

Unyielding Spirit: Sergiy Derevyanchenko fights through adversity

“Just got off the phone with #SergiyDerevyanchenko brain trust #KeithConnolly,” said the NYSBHOF inductee, adding further, “He said that Sergiy is going have bicep surgery this week.” Per the information Glaser received from Derevyanchenko’s manager, Keith Connolly, ‘The Technician’ might now undergo surgery to treat his torn biceps. 

Rick Glaser quoted what Sergiy Derevyanchenko said in the post-fight: “I feel young still & have things yet to definitely accomplish in boxing.” According to the veteran boxing insider, perhaps had the 38-year-old three-time challenger fought with both his hands, he would have had a good chance of turning the tables on Christian M’billi. “F**king Warrior!!!” Glaser just couldn’t hide his admiration for Derevyanchenko.

Even Christian M’billi couldn’t refrain from showering heaps of praise on Sergiy Derevyanchenko. “This man, he’s a gladiator; he’s a warrior. I have learned a lot. I’m going to go back and watch fight again. I’m going to have a lesson from this.”

Christian M’billi won the fight unanimously, 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92. Per the details from CompuBox too, he seems to have landed more punches in conjunction with Sergiy Derevyanchenko. But in ‘The Technician’, the Cameroonian-French boxer clearly faced a tough nut to crack. It was the sixth career loss for Derevyanchenko. Nevertheless, he still maintains the record for never touching the canvas early in his fights.

A Legacy of Durability

For Christian M’billi, it was a fight on familiar ground. It’s the fifth consecutive fight in Canada for the highly active boxer. Like many in the 168-pound weight class, perhaps he too nurses dreams of that big payday with the division’s uncrowned king, Canelo Alvarez. It seems his initial output during the initial three rounds, where he made effective use of his power punches, helped him secure the victory. But as he has shown several times in the past, Sergiy Derevyanchenko proved that he was no pushover.

‘The Technician’ had come for a fight and made his intentions clear, going punch-for-punch against his unbeaten foe. However, in the fourth round, things went downhill for the Ukrainian fighter when an injury inflicted damage to his left bicep. As a result, he heavily relied on his right hand for the remainder of the bout. But it’s worth mentioning that despite the setback, Derevyanchenko left M’billi puzzled, looking for answers. The message was clear for the Cameroonian-French fighter to stage a comeback quickly. And he followed up in suit, launching powerful shots that clearly shook Derevyanchenko.

Reeling under heavy attack, it seems his trainer had some reservations about Sergiy Derevyanchenko continuing further. But the fight continued. Despite Christian M’billi’s trying hard to score a knockdown, he couldn’t breach the ‘Fort Derevyanchenko’.

The loss marks the sixth career defeat for Sergiy Derevyanchenko. By the end of October, he will be 39. So it could be a daunting task for him to stage a strong comeback into the ranks first and then stake a claim at title contentions. Nevertheless, the fight has gone a long way in establishing ‘The Technician’ as one of the toughest and most resilient fighters of the modern era.

Did you catch the fight? Please share your thoughts on the intense battle between Christian M’billi and Sergiy Derevyanchenko.