Boxing: Golovkin vs. Derevyanchenko preview and pick

Gennadiy Golovkin will make his return to the ring against Sergei Derevyanchenko with the hope he can regain a portion of the middleweight title. While it’s no pay-per-view showcase, it should be an exciting, high-drama clash between the two middleweight specialists Saturday night.

Gennadiy Golovkin vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko

Though the odds heavily favor Golovkin, the former middleweight kingpin is in for a hard night against the younger, well-rounded champion. While Golovkin’s last performance suggested a return to his destructive form, Derevyanchenko is one of the toughest opponents he has faced.

Similar fighting styles

Derevyanchenko is similar to Golovkin, in that they both operate behind strong jabs and throw their power shots with bad intentions. The former amateur standout can also go to the body, which is something Golovkin doesn’t do if he’s caught up in his own offense, and can switch gears if the fight is slipping away from him.

The body punches are critical to victory here, especially as Derevyanchenko does not boast the size or punching power to stand and trade with Golovkin for 12 rounds. Against Daniel Jacobs, Derevyanchenko landed several hard shots that failed to deter Jacobs offense and left him gassed halfway through the fight.

GGG will start aggressive

Golovkin has yet to show he is having stamina issues and will pressure Derevyanchenko from the first round. As skilled as Golovkin can be, aggression must take precedence over patience and tact. Once Golovkin builds a lead or takes command of the fight, Derevyanchenko’s endurance will be put to the test, and he’ll need enough energy to fight Golovkin off and be mindful of his power punches.

Should Derevyanchenko box successfully in the early rounds, working behind his jab and landing body shots in clinches, there is a good chance he can jump to a small lead at the halfway point. Unfortunately for him, he won’t have enough power to keep Golovkin away and might succumb to a knockdown as the fight’s momentum begins to turn.

Derevyanchenko will try to valiantly battle Golovkin off, but by doing so, he’ll exhaust his remaining energy and play right into Golovkin’s heavy hands. It is possible Derevyanchenko frustrates Golovkin and gives him pause early on, but once Golovkin adjusts to the strategy and slows his able opponent down, it’ll only be a matter of time before he stops Derevyanchenko in the later rounds.

Pick: Golovkin

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