When Lou DiBella signed Sergey Derevyanchenko with Fight Promotions Inc., the outspoken promoter confidently stated, “Sergey is one of the most decorated amateurs in the world and absolutely one of the best middleweight prospects in all of boxing. We feel that in one year’s time, he will be ready to fight on the highest levels in boxing.”
Derevyanchenko, who was 23-1 in the World Series of Boxing, made his official pro debut this summer and looked every bit as advertised, destroying Cromwell Gordon, making Gordon quit after the second stanza of their scheduled six rounder. A former 2008 Olympian for his native Ukraine, Derevyanchenko compiled an outstanding 390-20 record as an amateur, winning a number of National titles as well as the 2007 bronze medal at the World Championships.
Derevyanchenko’s rise up the rankings is expected to be meteoric, and the next stop along his path to stardom will take place tonight in California. Derevyanchenko is set to take on battle-tested Laatekwei Hammond (21-7, 14KO’s) in a six-round middleweight special attraction on Michael King’s King Sports-promoted world card at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Headlining the card is the IBF middleweight title elimination bout between Curtis Stevens and former world champion Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam, televised by ESPN.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to fight on a card like this and to showcase my skills to everyone that will be in attendance. I have trained for over two months for this fight and am ready to give the fans a very exciting fight. I plan on quickly moving up the ranks of the middleweight division and challenging for a world title in the not so distant future. I am confident that my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. will provide me with that opportunity, and my trainers Andre Rozier and Gary Stark will have me ready when the time comes,” said Derevyanchenko.
“Sergey Derevyanchenko is a future superstar,” said Lou DiBella. “He will prove it tonight in fighting the tough and experienced 21-7 Laatekwei Hammond in only his second professional fight. In a very short time, all boxing fans will know who Sergey Derevyanchenko is.”
