In anticipation of Saturday night’s middleweight showdown, where Daniel Jacobs and Sergey Derevyanchenko fight for the vacant IBF world title, the fighters held their final press conference. You can catch the full presser and face offs for all the fighters above, courtesy of our colleagues at Fight Hub TV.
Jacobs (34-2, 29 KOs) and Derevyanchenko (12-0, 10 KOs) fight out of the same gym and therefore had to split trainers in order to prepare for this fight, which is an interesting little wrinkle.
Jacobs offered these thoughts on the fight when it was his turn at the podium:
“This platform that I have to prove that I am the best middleweight in the world is a very difficult task, and I thank Sergey for accepting this challenge. And even though it’s bittersweet — you know, we’ve known each other for some time, sparring partners, Gary was a former trainer of mine — so to see these guys on the opposite side of the ring come fight night is gonna be bittersweet.
“You know, we all knew each other for a very, very, long time so it’s almost as if we’re like family. But this is why we do it — for the love of the sport! For you guys, for your pleasure, for your entertainment. You’re not gonna want to miss this fight, it’s gonna be a stellar fight, competitive fight...”