Fight Night Recap: Sergiy Derevyanchenko vs. Kemahl Russell

(Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions)

At Fitzgerald’s Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi, USA, the former Ukrainian Olympian and World Series of Boxing veteran, Sergiy Derevyanchenko (10-0, 8 KO’s), squared off with the largely unknown but unbeaten Jamaica-native, Kemahl Russell (10-1, 8 KO’s), in what was slated to be a 10-rounder.

Russell surprised in the early going by staying patient and working behind a long jab. He even landed a right hand from time to time.

As the rounds passed, the aptly named, “Technician” began to become just that, working behind a precisely calculated left that found Russell increasingly. Derevyanchenko, per usual, mixed in a variety of head and body blows, too. In the 5^th the 31-year-old former amateur standout found his rhythm and connected with regularity. A right hand to Russell’s skull wobbled him and Derevyanchenko made sure that any notion of a comeback was quelled, tossing combination after combination.

Referee Bill Clancy got between the men at the 1:06 mark, granting Derevyanchenko his fourth straight stoppage.

Of all the interesting middleweight newcomers, Derevyanchenko might be the best.

On the undercard

Ahmed Elbiali (15-0, 12 KO’s) rolled right over Jackson Junior (20-9, 18 KO’s) in less than a round’s time, coming out aggressively and showing no tentativeness after a long layoff from a hurt left hand. The Egyptian transplant landed a right hand over Junior’s left that put him down but saw him beat the count, although barely, and on unsteady legs. The referee rightfully halted it.

A fighter just a few states east of Mississippi in Justin Pauldo (9-1, 4 KO’s) showed that he was clearly better than game veteran, Justin Savi (29-11-2, 18 KO’s). The first round was close and Savi showed he understood the game and was not there to lay down. However, Pauldo was simply too sharp, showing quick hands and a little creativity.

Pauldo earned a clear-cut decision.

Jamontay Clark (11-0, 7 KO’s) TKO’d Gaku Takahashi (15-7-1, 7 KO’s) in the 7^th.

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