Jermall Charlo, Sergiy Derevyanchenko “finalizing” deal for fall title fight

Though his fists be pulled in opposite directions, Sergiy Derevyanchenko appears to have made his choice. Mike Coppinger reports that “The Technician,” who had also received an offer to face Canelo Alvarez, is “in the process of finalizing” a fight with WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in “September or October.”

If this fight comes together, it’ll be one of if not the strongest matchups on the current pandemic calendar. Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KO) has proven that he can keep up with the middleweight elite, while Charlo (30-0, 22 KO), though boasting some eye-catching firepower and a solid résumé at 154 pounds, has yet to demonstrate the same. It’s the more interesting fight in my book, especially since it doesn’t involve Derevyanchenko moving up to 168 pounds like the Canelo matchup.

As far as Canelo, he shouldn’t be too put out over losing another sweepstakes participant. He still has Callum Smith and John Ryder, plus the recently added Tureano Johnson and Jason Quigley.